COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus)

Trial Run of Research Restart – Initial opening of cores and shared resources

OHSU is beginning limited operations with new guidelines to assure the safety of laboratory personnel. To address the institution’s guidelines for Research Level 2, safe lab practices have been outlined by each core to help ensure a safe working environment for staff and authorized users. To assure safety, users must follow the policies and procedures set by the core.

Additionally, cores have developed reopening plans and submitted them to the Chief Research Offer. Those plans have been reviewed. Those who received approval are authorized to open during the limited return to research phase. Please note: Cores cannot deviate from those approved plans. Your understanding and cooperation is much appreciated.

Advanced Imaging Research Center

Advanced Light Microscopy Core

  • The Advanced Light Microscopy Core is operating under Level 2 under new policies and modified equipment access. Core currently accepts requests for imaging of fixed samples. Recertification of previously trained users for 24/7 access will begin second week of June.  Please contact Stefanie Kaech Petrie (kaechs@ohsu.edu) for further details.

Bioanalytical/Pharmacokinetics Core

  • All instruments are operating at the present time.  At this time, use of the equipment is limited to Core staff only.  The Core is accepting samples for processing and analysis. As a result, if samples are prepared in the PIs laboratory, they can be submitted to staff for analysis. The process for sample delivery is still being finalized and will be accomplished on a case by case basis at this time. 

    To utilize the Core for analysis, users should contact the Director, Associate Director of one of the staff (if you have worked with them previously) to begin the scheduling process. Staff are working in split shifts so processing will be limited and turnaround time for results slower than normal until normal operations return.

Bioinformatics & Biostatistics Core on West Campus

  • The ONPRC Bioinformatics & Biostatistics Core (https://www.ohsu.edu/bbc) has been fully operational throughout modified operations.  All analysts are working remotely and can meet via Webex to discuss current and upcoming projects and grants.  Data intensive analyses requiring compute resources hosted by the Advanced Computing Center have thus far experienced no delays.  Please contact Suzi Fei (feis@ohsu.edu) for more information.

BioLibrary

Biostatistics and Design Program (BDP)

  • The Biostatistics & Design Program (BDP) is fully operational during OHSU modified operations; however all BDP faculty and staff are teleworking. The BDP continues to prioritize COVID-19–related research requests.  Please send requests to bdp@ohsu.edu, which is monitored daily, including on weekends. 

Center for Radiochemistry Research

  • The Center for Radiochemistry Research is currently open under Level 2 modified operations.  We can make radiopharmaceuticals but restrictions on clinical and animal facility operations as well as social distancing requirements may restrict what and when we can produce for individual studies.  Please contact Jeanne Link (lijea@ohsu.edu) with questions.

Clinical and Translational Research Center

  • The CTRC is currently open under Level 2 modified operations for clinical research activities.  We are able to conduct inpatient admissions, infusions, and outpatient visits for all therapeutic trials.  In addition, we are able to support non-therapeutic research protocols as long as the research volunteers do not fall into CDC-defined high risk categories for Covid infection.  Please contact Dr. Mary Samuels (samuelsm@ohsu.edu) with questions.

DNA Services Core

  • The DNA Services Core re-opened on June 1st to provide in-lab research support under Level 2 modified operations. Laboratory reorganization, PPE and enhanced cleaning protocols have been implemented and new procedures for sample drop-off are in place. Please submit service requests via iLab.  We are available to all researchers by email, phone, and online meeting to plan experiments, advise on sample collection and extraction, review data, and assist with grant development and manuscript preparation.  Please contact Chris Harrington for questions and more information or check the Core website.

Elemental Analysis Core

  • The Elemental Analysis Core is operating under level 2 with requirements for physical distancing, PPE, and workplace cleanup. We accept new samples but please contact Dr. Ralle (rallem@ohsu.edu) for further details prior to doing so.

Epigenetics Consortium

  • The KCVI Epigenetics Consortium is open under Level 2 operations. We are currently accepting samples for library preparation from all laboratories that are approved for operations, using new sample drop-off procedures. Bioinformatics analyses are available with no restrictions and minimal wait time. Moreover, our staff is available to discuss study design for new projects or grants through virtual meetings. Please direct any questions to the director, Dr. Lucia Carbone (carbone@ohsu.edu).

Flow Cytometry 

  • The Flow Cytometry Shared Resource is operating under Trial level 2 with new requirements for physical distancing, PPE, and workspace clean-up. Information on these changes is available on the resource website. Please contact the resource director or resource staff for further details.

Gene Profiling Shared Resource

  • The Gene Profiling Shared Resource re-opened on June 1 to provide in-lab research support under Level 2 modified operations. Laboratory reorganization, PPE and enhanced cleaning protocols have been implemented and new procedures for sample drop-off and shared access instruments are in place. Please submit service requests via iLab.  We are available to all researchers by email, phone, and online meeting to plan experiments, advise on sample collection and extraction, review data, and assist with grant development and manuscript preparation.  Please contact Chris Harrington for questions and more information or check the Core website.

Histopathology

  • The Histopathology Shared Resource is operating under Trial level 2 with new requirements for physical distancing, PPE, and workspace clean-up. Information on these changes is available on the resource website. Please contact the HSR manager or HSR staff for further details.

https://www.ohsu.edu/histopathology-core/requesting-services

Massively Parallel Sequencing Shared Resource

  • The Massively Parallel Sequencing Shared Resource is open under Level 2 operations following equipment reorganization to permit social distancing. We are accepting samples for library preparation and sequencing from all laboratories that are approved for operations. Our 10x Genomics Chromium system and our Covaris sonicator are not available for external users, but clients can submit samples for our staff to process on these instruments. Please direct any questions to the MPSSR director.

Medicinal Chemistry Core

  • The Medicinal Chemistry Core is operating under Trial level 2 with physical distancing. Shared instrumentation is available for use, but core staff will need to run the instrument for you. Please contact Aaron Nilsen (nilsena@ohsu.edu) for further details.

Multiscale Microscopy Core

  • The Multiscale Microscopy Core (MMC) is operating under Trial level 2. We are accepting samples for EM processing and imaging. During this level all MMC instruments are only being operated by our staff. Please contact Claudia Lopez (lopezcl@ohsu.edu) for further details.

Proteomics Shared Resource

  • The Proteomics Shared Resource Core is operating under Trial level 2 with physical distancing and is accepting samples for analysis. Please contact Ashok Reddy (reddyas@ohsu.edu) for further details.

Small Animal Imaging Research Center

  • The SARIC is now operating under an approved Level 2 modified operations plan. During this level, only researchers with current SARIC training will be allowed access to the core. No training will be conducted under Level 2 operations.  A link to the SARIC Level 2 use policies (including PPE, Scheduling, Occupancy limits, Distancing, Animal Handling, Equipment and Facilities Disinfection, and other concerns) will be posted on the core’s site at OHSU.edu/small-animal-imaging-core.  All policies must by strictly adhered to as a condition of use.  For information about scheduling your study or any other questions, please contact the core’s lead technician, William Packwood (packwood@ohsu.edu).

Transgenic Mouse Model Core

  • The Transgenic Mouse Model Core (TMM) is operating under Trial level 2 following Covid-19 sanitary and hygiene recommendations directed against Covid-19.  TMM performs an almost complete set of services, excluding conventional KO & KIN gene targeting based on ES cells technology. Please contact Core Director Lev Fedorov (fedorovl@ohsu.edu) for further details.

Core directors and staff

  • July 13th, 2020 Update: COVID-19 resources for core staff and researchers, including research exemptions, central labor pool information, parking, and teleworking resources, is available here to view and download.

Additional links

OHSU Core service centers

Core Service Profile Overview Sheet

Advanced Computing Center - Consulting, research storage, application hosting, support for research computing systems.
Service Profile

Advanced Imaging Research Center - Novel Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), data analysis, and user education. 

Advanced Light Microscopy Core - Access to and education on the use of advanced instrumentation for fluorescence microscopy in cells, tissues, and animals.
Service Profile

Bioanalytical/Pharmacokinetics - Support and consultation for the analysis of small molecules using state-of-the-art LC-MS/MS, GC/MS, or HPLC instrumentation. 
Service Profile

Bioinformatics - Experimental Design and Analysis support for high dimensional data 
(e.g., RNA-seq, DNA-seq, ChIP-seq, CyTOF, etc). Data stewardship, management, and dissemination support.

Bioinformatics & Biostatistics Core (BBC) at ONPRC - Supports all types of biostatistics and primarily DNA/RNA-sequencing-related bioinformatics. Provides analysis, study design, advising, and grant support.
Service Profile

BioLibrary - Fresh, frozen, OCT, FFPE tissues and blood derivatives; prospective whole blood collection; PI-driven consenting of patients; digital slide imaging.

Biostatistics & Design Program - Statistical guidance, analysis, and study design for proposal development, grant submissions and research projects including: data management, statistical programming, report preparation, and assistance with manuscripts.
Service Profile

Clinical and Translational Research Core Services - Study Coordination, Education, and Career development, Biostatistics, Biomedical Informatics, Investigator Support and Integration, Community and Practice Research Funding.

Elemental Analysis Core - ICP-MS: determination of elemental content, sample preparation, data analysis, and consolation.
Service Profile

Epigenetics Consortium - Sample preparation and bioinformatics analysis for epigenetics assays (e.g. Methyl-seq, Chip-seq, ATAC-seq)

Flow Cytometry - Cell sorting and analytical flow cytometry, data analysis, consultation, and user education and training.
Service Profile

Histopathology - Specimen imbedding, sectioning, staining, and immunohistochemistry. 
Service Profile

Integrated Genomics Laboratory - Technologies, services, and expertise for genome-wide and targeted RNA and DNA analysis.

MedEdNet Survey Services – Support and consultation for scannable paper surveys and web based surveys. Services include survey set up, administration, and data processing.

Medicinal Chemistry Core - Investigates the interactions between small molecules and biological systems by providing medicinal chemistry and chemical biology expertise and organic synthesis support.
Service Profile

Multiscale Microscopy Core - State-of-the-art electron and light microscopy facility providing imaging services, access and technical support to OHSU and external customers.
Service Profile

Proteomics - Mass spectrometric services to allow protein identification, detection of post-translational modifications, and profiling of changes in relative protein abundance.
Service Profile

Small Animal Research Imaging Core - MicroPET-SPECT/CT, high frequency ultrasound, and biophotonics imaging services to evaluate anatomy, tissue function, cellular and molecular phenotype, blood/fluid flow, and metabolism in vivo.

Transgenic Mouse Models - Development of genetically engineered mouse models, cryopreservation, and other services.
Service Profile

Virology - Production of viral vectors, virus stocks and antigens. Viral diagnostics for virus quantification and serology. User consultation and education.

USR Core Pilot Awards

COVID-19 Budget Update: As of June 2020, projects that have received USR Pilot Core awards should be placed on hold until further notice. This includes FY2020 as well as outstanding previous years’ pilot funds. Specific questions on the USR Core Pilot Award program should be directed to Andrew Chitty and Aaron Larson.  We appreciate your understanding and will work with individual PI’s to provide more information.

Single cell analysis resources at OHSU

Advancements in technology now permit the analysis of samples at the single cell level.  The University Shared Resources and others at OHSU are beginning to utilize these exciting advances.

  • Massively Parallel Sequencing Shared Resource
  • Flow Cytometry
    • In support of single cell studies, the Flow Cytometry Shared Resource has the capability of sorting discrete populations of cells as well as individual cells into tubes and/or plates. These cell sorts can be performed on the basis of up to 18 fluorescent parameters.
    • Please contact Philip Streeter in the Flow Cytometry Shared Resource
  • Histopathology
  • Mass Spectrometry
    • Stay tuned for future single cell proteomics and single particle elemental analysis

If you have questions, would like to request additional services, or see information missing from this page, please contact Aaron Larson in the University Shared Resources office.

Research News

More core resources

University Shared Resource Core boilerplates

If you are planning to include an OHSU Shared Resource in a grant or other project proposal, please contact the Shared Resource/Core director for guidance with assay/service selection, study design, cost estimates, and letters of support.

To request a USR Core boilerplate, please complete and submit the Boilerplate Request Form.

School of Medicine Faculty Innovation Fund pilot program continues

The School of Medicine encourages innovative and diverse investigations by offering up to $5000 for core spending. 
More info and application guidelines

Acknowledgement and authorship policies

Acknowledgement policy

The use of data generated in a core facility in a grant application, progress report or publication contains the implicit understanding that the PI or authors will acknowledge the use of the core facility.  Since many of our facilities are supported by federal agencies, such acknowledgments are essential for obtaining continuing support. 

Authorship policy

If core personnel provide significant intellectual input to the results submitted for publication, then it is reasonable and appropriate to include them as co-authors.  Since circumstances vary widely, each case should be considered individually, and the core should be consulted for review prior to publishing.