Core Facilities of the
UW Clinical Nutrition Research Unit

The Clinical Nutrition Research Unit at the University of Washington is organized around four cores: an Animal Studies Core (Physiology and Genetics Components), an Analytic Core, a Human Studies Core , and an Administrative and Enrichment Core.

 

ANIMAL STUDIES CORE - PHYSIOLOGY COMPONENT

Michael W. Schwartz, Director, 341-5288
Gregory J. Morton, Associate Director, 341-5292

The Physiology Component of the Animal Studies Core provides Affiliate Investigators with a comprehensive state-of-the-art resource for energy balance/metabolic phenotyping in small animals, as well as consultation and guidance in choosing among the methods.  Services include: 

Rodents:

  • Indirect calorimetry (e.g., metabolic rate, heat production)
  • Locomotor activity/total physical activity
  • Meal pattern analysis/continuous measures of total daily food and water intake
  • Continuous body temperature monitoring
  • Noninvasive body composition analysis
  • Biopsy sample triglyceride content
  • Euglycemic glucose clamp

ANIMAL STUDIES CORE - GENETICS COMPONENT

Renee C. LeBoeuf, Director, 543-5208

The Genetics Component of the Animal Studies Core provides Affiliate Investigators expertise in genetic analysis of rodent models relevant to nutrition, obesity, diabetes or related disorders.  Services include:

  • Genotyping of mutant models
  • Breeding strategy for mouse colonies
  • Quantitative PCR of nRNA in tissue samples
  • Meal preparation for nutritional interventions
  • Bone marrow transplantation procedures
  • Preparation of transgenic mice

ANALYTIC CORE

Mark Wener, Director, 598-6131
Andy Hoofnagle, Associate Director, 598-6131
Nutrition Laboratory, 341-4716

The Analytic Core provides Affiliate Investigators access to state-of-the art nutritional assays at a reduced cost, and new methods development.  Services include:

  • Nitrogen Containing Compounds
  • Carbohydrates and Related Compounds
  • Lipids and Related Compounds
  • Minerals and Trace Elements
  • Vitamins
  • Murine Assays
  • New Methods Development:  HPLC, GC, atomic absorption, ELISA, etc.

HUMAN STUDIES CORE

Robert H. Knopp, Director, 744-9116
D. Scott Weigle, Associate Director, 744-9123
Johanna Lampe, Associate Director, 667-2471

The Human Studies Core provides Affiliate Investigators with services and facilities to aid them in performing patient-oriented research in nutrition.  Services include:

  • Body composition analysis
  • Energy expenditure and appetite assessment
  • Obesity genotyping
  • Assistance with inpatient and outpatient feeding studies
  • Administrative assistance with performance of patient-oriented research
  • Provision of a research exercise facility
  • Vascular function assessment
  • Food intake quantification
  • Study subject registry, data and sample repository
  • Physician and dietitian Consultation

ADMINISTRATIVE AND ENRICHMENT CORE

Alan Chait, Director, 543-6166
Becky McPherson, Administrative Manager, 543-6166

The Administrative and Enrichment Core is responsible for the overall coordination of the CNRU.  This Core also administers the following:

 


    


    


    


   


    


Revised:  April 17, 2008