Core Facilities

Cell and Tissue Isolation Facility

This facility isolates hepatocytes and non-parenchymal liver cells, including bile duct cells, Kupffer cells, Ito cells and endothelial cells from rats and mice; maintains long-term cultures of cell lines including HepG2, WIF2B, COS-7, and SKHep1 cells; and performs isolated liver perfusions, including normal, cirrhotic and cholestatic livers. To use this facility, Liver Center investigators should contact Kathy Harry (x5-3151) for isolated cell preparations or for perfused liver preparations. New investigators should first contact one of the Core's Director (Dr. Boyer).

Morphology Core Facility

This facility includes a BioRad MRC-1024 Two-Photon Confocal Microscope and a Zeiss LSM-510 confocal microscope(jointly operated by the School's Center for Cell Imaging), a Zeiss Transmission Electron Microscope, and four microscope systems for video and/or fluorescence imaging of single cells. The facility also co-sponsors a short course on confocal microscopy which is offered periodically for interested users. Interested investigators should contact Dr. Nathanson (x5-7312) for access to the confocal microscope, Dr. Soroka, or Mr. Mennone (x5-3154) for access to EM or other light microscopic equipment.

Molecular Biology Core Facility

This core includes a transgenic animal center which is jointly operated by the School, workstations for using the Xenopus laevis oocyte expression system, plus facilities and consultation for a range of techniques, including transfection of cell lines, analysis of DNA sequences, PCR, and isolation of subcellular membranes. Interested individuals should contact Dr. Boyer (x5-5279).

Administrative Core Facility

This core facilitates the administration of the Liver Center, including a scientific and fiscal review of the Center's research base, core facility activity, pilot feasibility program, and seminar series. Questions about this core should be directed to Dr. Boyer (x5-5279), Center Coordinator Ann Thompson (x5-5279) or Center Administrator, JoAnn Sullivan (x5-5526).