The Animal Research Facility

עברית

Pre-Clinical Research Center
The Cutting Edge of Mouse Research

Where science, technology, and animal welfare combine to create a better future

The Pre-Clinical Research Center at the Faculty of Life Sciences offers an advanced and comprehensive research environment designed to meet both academic and industrial research needs. Since its establishment in 2015, the center has been at the forefront of pre-clinical research, providing state-of-the-art infrastructure alongside the highest level of professional support. Special emphasis is placed on ensuring animal welfare, research reliability, and uncompromising scientific quality.

Among the center's achievements are groundbreaking studies in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, understanding aging mechanisms, and the development of innovative approaches in metabolic imaging – discoveries published in leading journals worldwide.

Preclinical Research Center

The Unique Features of the Pre-Clinical Research Center

A Unique and Innovative Research Facility

  • 2,000 IVC cages in SPF (Specific Pathogen Free) conditions
    A clean and controlled environment that reduces infection risks and enhances the reliability of experimental results. These conditions ensure higher accuracy in research and minimize external influences.
  • Separate breeding system carefully planned to ensure the quality and integrity of the research.
  • Advanced procedure rooms equipped with isoflurane-based anesthesia systems, providing a higher safety level, reduced risk of side effects, and faster recovery for the animals.

Precise and Diverse Behavioral Experiments

Three behavioral research rooms with automatic recording systems and Anymaze software

  • Spatial learning and memory tests: Barnes Maze, Morris Water Maze, Radial Arm Water Maze for studying cognitive functions such as navigation and memory.
  • Anxiety and stress tests: Assessment of psychological responses in animals.
  • Motor learning tests evaluating movement capabilities and neuromuscular coordination.
  • Research rooms with reverse light cycles designed for complex behavioral experiments.

Advanced Imaging and Research Laboratories

  • Advanced imaging systems (Ami-HT): Innovative imaging tools for studying biological processes.
  • X-ray imaging systems for structural and physiological analyses.
  • Metabolic laboratory for advanced physiological experiments, including research on metabolic mechanisms in mice.

Tailored Professional Support

An experienced veterinary and technical team provides

  • Consultation on experimental design and selection of appropriate research models.
  • Development of ethical protocols for conducting experiments.
  • Guidance in performing complex surgical procedures.
  • Training to improve animal housing conditions and welfare.
  • Development of innovative imaging and intervention techniques.

This collaborative approach ensures adherence to strict ethical standards while maintaining high scientific quality.

 

Tailored Solutions for Academic and Industrial Collaborations

The center offers customized services for advanced research and industrial development.

  • Collaborations with Pharmaceutical Companies: Drug development for chronic diseases, including neurodegenerative conditions, combined with advanced technologies.
  • Food Industries: Improving nutritional formulas through advanced research and imaging-based insights.
  • Innovation in Biotechnology: Developing new imaging methods and breakthrough diagnostic approaches.

Examples of research conducted at the Preclinical Research Center

  1. Illouz, T., Madar, R., Biragyn, A. & Okun, E. Restoring microglial and astroglial homeostasis using DNA immunization in a Down Syndrome mouse model. Brain Behav Immun 75, 163-180 (2019). https://doi.org:10.1016/j.bbi.2018.10.004
  2. Illouz, T., Madar, R. & Okun, E. A modified Barnes maze for an accurate assessment of spatial learning in mice. J Neurosci Methods 334, 108579 (2020). https://doi.org:10.1016/j.jneumeth.2020.108579
  3. Illouz, T. et al. Maternal antibodies facilitate Amyloid-β clearance by activating Fc-receptor-Syk-mediated phagocytosis. Commun Biol 4, 329 (2021). https://doi.org:10.1038/s42003-021-01851-6
  4. Kanfi, Y. et al. The sirtuin SIRT6 regulates lifespan in male mice. Nature 483, 218-221 (2012). https://doi.org:10.1038/nature10815
  5. Naiman, S. et al. SIRT6 Promotes Hepatic Beta-Oxidation via Activation of PPARα. Cell Rep 29, 4127-4143.e4128 (2019). https://doi.org:10.1016/j.celrep.2019.11.067
  6. Peshti, V. et al. Characterization of physiological defects in adult SIRT6-/- mice. PLoS One 12, e0176371 (2017). https://doi.org:10.1371/journal.pone.0176371
  7. Roichman, A. et al. Restoration of energy homeostasis by SIRT6 extends healthy lifespan. Nat Commun 12, 3208 (2021). https://doi.org:10.1038/s41467-021-23545-7
  8. Roichman, A. et al. SIRT6 Overexpression Improves Various Aspects of Mouse Healthspan. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 72, 603-615 (2017). https://doi.org:10.1093/gerona/glw152

 

Contact us today to discover how we can support the success of your research!

Head of the Preclinical Research Center: Dr. Shimon Tinman  shimon.tinman@biu.ac.il  

Location: The Preclinical Research Center, Buidling 100

Phone: 972-3-5318748

Hours: 07:00-19:00

 

Brochure of the Preclinical Research Center 

 

Preclinical Research Center Team and Contact Information