Preclinical Imaging Core

Visualizing Breakthroughs in Preclinical Research

The Tufts Preclinical Imaging Core (PIC) provides equipment and expertise for molecular and anatomical imaging for basic research and translational studies in live animals.

Laboratory mouse under the microscope

The PIC not only supports research at Tufts University and affiliated hospitals, it also offers a wide range of contract research services for Biotech and Pharma.

Major instrumentation includes:

  • PerkinElmer IVIS Spectrum CT Biophotonic Imager
  • VisualSonics Vevo 2100 Ultrasound Imaging System
  • Skyscan 1176 High Resolution Micro-CT Scanner

The technology provided by these instruments is applicable to a wide range of research areas that include tumor and stem cell biology, infectious disease, neurobiology, wound healing, and signal transduction.  The PIC is also equipped to develop imageable animal models and perform surgical procedures and cell/tissue culture to support in vivo imaging and preclinical testing studies with these instruments.

For cancer researchers at academic institutions and companies, the PIC offers novel luciferase- and fluorescent protein-based syngeneic and xenograft models, as well as technical services for studying in vivo tumor growth and metastasis and preclinical drug testing.  A technician is available for animal handling/husbandry, introduction of tumor cells and therapeutics into animals, and other services. Contact us for more information.

Instrument Use Services provided by the Facility generally require technical assistance from Facility Staff. However, Tufts University and Tufts Medical Center users can be trained and certified to operate our instruments themselves at reduced (“Unassisted Use”) cost.

The PerkinElmer IVIS Spectrum CT Biophotonic Imager excels at imaging light emitted from small animals such as mice or rats but can also be used to image light emitted from

General Services

  1. Instrumentation and expertise for molecular and anatomic imaging
  2. Full range of services for preclinical testing in animals including
    • Model availability and development
    • Animal care and handling
    • Surgical procedures on small animals
    • Administration of therapeutics
    • Analysis of therapeutic safety and efficacy
    • Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analyses

Cancer-related Services

  1. Model development specializing in imagable syngeneic tumor models administered orthotopically
  2. Availability of well characterized GEM, xenograft and syngeneic models for a wide range of cancers
  3. Drug target screening and validation
  4. Quantitative analysis of primary tumor growth and metastasis
  5. Full range of preclinical testing services for analysis of anti-cancer drugs and therapeutic regimens
    • Analysis of therapeutic safety, efficacy
    • Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
  6. Wide range of administration methods for tumors cells and therapeutics
  7. Immune and stromal cell profiling
  8. Image-guided injection and biopsy

Cancer Model Availability

Widely Used Luciferase-expressing Xenograft Models

  • MDA-MB-231 (breast, ER-)
  • MCF-7 (breast, ER+)
  • BT-474 (breast, ER+, HER2+)
  • MDA-MB-231 Human Breast Cancer Xenograft Model
  • MCF-7 Human Breast Cancer Xenograft Model
  • PC-3M (prostate)
  • A549 (lung)
  • HT-29 (colon)
  • SKOV3 (ovarian)
  • HeLa (cervical)

A wide range of other xenograft models are available on request.