The Advanced Computing Center for Research and Education is comprised of High Performance Computing services that provide an environment for a wide variety of research projects across Vanderbilt. These services include: High Performance Computing *** Non-cluster Tape Backup Services Logistical Storage (L-Store) The Research and Education Data Depot Network (REDDnet)

Website: http://www.accre.vanderbilt.edu/

The principal mission of the Biomolecular NMR Center is to provide instrumentation for, and aid in obtaining data on the structure, composition, and dynamics of bio-molecules. The Facility offers state-of-the-art instrumentation, training, software and assistance in designing experiments. We strive to help the Vanderbilt community realize the potential of biomolecular NMR and to work with NMR spectroscopists to stay current with the most recent experimental approaches.

900 MHz NMR Spectrometer with CPTCI probe (1H, 2H, 13C, 15N) for high sensitivity on proton and carbon

800 MHz NMR Spectrometer with CPTCI probe (1H, 2H, 13C, 15N) for high sensitivity on proton and carbon

600 MHz NMR Spectrometer with CPTCI probe (1H, 2H, 13C, 15N) for high sensitivity on proton and carbon

600 MHz NMR Spectrometer with BBI probe primarily used for In Vitro Diagnostic research, analyzing biofluids for metabolites and lips composition.

All instruments come with a 600 specimen sample changer for high-throughput measurements.

Supported in part by grants for NMR instrumentation from the NSF-MRI (0922862), acquisition of a 900 MHz Ultra-High Field NMR spectrometer in 2009; NIH (S10 RR025677) for console upgrades on all biomolecular NMR spectrometers in 2009; NIH (R35GM118089-04S1), NIH supplement for the helium liquefier in 2019; NIH S10OD034276 to replace the 800 MHz spectrometer in 2024, accompanied by Vanderbilt University matching funds.

Website: http://structbio.vanderbilt.edu/nmr/user_info/userInfo.php

The Department of Cell and Development BIology maintains this large and diverse set of instruments located throughout MRB3 and MCN. Equipment is pay/per use and available for anyone to use as we strive to provide a collaborative environment to all of Vanderbilt's community of researchers.

Cell & Developmental Biology Equipment Resource

Website

Supports the full range of modern microscopy and digital imaging capabilities in order to enable and accelerate research that would otherwise be reduced in quantity and quality. Currently over 200 research groups use the facilities and services of the Resource, which maintains an active development program to keep the instrumentation and systems current, functional, accessible, and easy to use. CISR currently provides facilities for both optical and electron microscopy; there are six confocal microscopes, one line-scanning microscope, two 2-photon-excitation microscopes, and four advanced wide-field microscopes as well as a Phillips CM-12 120keV Transmission Electron microscope system. The laboratory is fully equipped to carry out numerous aspects of "routine" as well as specialized electron microscopy. Included in the specialized services available through the resource are: 1) preparative techniques, such as embedding and sectioning, critical point drying, high-resolution low angle and rotary shadowing, and cryo-EM; 2) research techniques, such as immuno- and enzyme-cytochemistry, autoradiography, and whole-mount microscopy; and 3) analytical techniques, such as on- and off-line microcomputer based systems for image processing, pattern analysis, and 3-D reconstruction.

Website: https://my.vanderbilt.edu/cisr/

The Vanderbilt Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) shared resource center offers full-service, flexible small molecule omics solutions via cutting-edge global untargeted and targeted ion mobility-mass spectrometry resources. The Center focuses on high-quality and innovative analytics, the development of streamlined workflows, and utilizes a collaborative approach. Potential applications include diagnostics development, nutrient metabolomics, disease mechanism & metabolome, toxicology & exposome, microbiome research, personalized medicine, and drug discovery.

Services include consultations, biostatistics, sample preparation, untargeted and targeted metabolomics, lipidomics, data processing and analysis, grant application and manuscript support and custom method development.

Read more about our services: https://www.vanderbilt.edu/cit/mass-spectrometry-technology-services
Read more about our quality-focused approach: https://www.vanderbilt.edu/cit/quality-metabolomics-research/

CIT Website

The CSB Labs & Instrumentation Facility (CSB-LIF) Core supports structural biology research by providing access to the Biophysical Instrumentation Facility, the Biomolecular Crystallography Facility and the Sample Prep & Characterization resources.

The goal of the CSB Cryo-EM Facility is to make structural analysis of protein complexes by transmission electron microscopy accessible to all interested researchers in the Vanderbilt community. The Facility houses several TEMs and preparation instrumentation:

Titan Krios G4 300 kV TEM, equipped with Volta phase plate, Gatan’s BioQuantum energy filter, K3 and Falcon3 direct electron detectors

Glacios 200 kV TEM, equipped with a Falcon4i direct electron detector

L120C 120 kV TEM

TF20 200 kV TEM

Morgagni 100 kV TEM

ThermoScientific Vitrobots

Leica EM GP2

The instrumentation are overseen by experienced staff who offer consultation and training in negative-stain and cryo sample preparation, single particle analysis, tomography, MicroED, data processing and additional computational support.

We are a recharge center that provides chemicals, glassware, and various apparatus items to our customers. We provide services to Vanderbilt University, VUMC, and VA Hospital.

The Chemistry X-Ray Diffraction facility is a core facility containing the Rigaku Smart Lab with Cu Ka X-ray source for Powder X-ray diffraction. Additional features and capabilities can be found on their website. 

Website: https://as.vanderbilt.edu/chemistry/vanderbilt-chemistry-powder-x-ray-diffraction-xrd-core/

Creative Data Solutions is a Vanderbilt shared resource that provides bioinformatics and informatics research services. Its vision is to have a measurable impact on the ability of research investigators to both publish their work and obtain new funding. Its core values include:

• Promote bioinformatics and advanced computation to augment our ability to achieve a solutions-driven approach to life science problems.
• Maintain a strong informatics skill-set necessary for unraveling and integrating datasets originating from various sources and technologies.
• Developing visually pleasing and understandable mixed-media and visual solutions, in order to best communicate data and resulting knowledge.

Website: https://cds.vanderbilt.edu

The mission of the Institute for Space and Defense Electronics (ISDE) is to contribute to the design and analysis of radiation-hardened electronics, the development of test methods and plans for assuring radiation hardness, and the development of solutions to system-specific problems related to radiation effects.
 

Website: http://www.isde.vanderbilt.edu/wp/capabilities/testing/

The Materials Durability and Environmental Research Facilities Hub (MDERFH) supports research on the performance and durability of natural and engineered materials and systems exposed to a wide range of environmental conditions. A key component of the hub is the availability of research facilities that provide unique analytical services to the Vanderbilt community, as well as external academic and industry partners, through the hub's Core. Core operations are centralized in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at Vanderbilt University, and characterization techniques offered through MDERFH's Core include microscopy, spectroscopy, chromatography, crystallography, tribology, metrology, and micromechanics. The Core's instrumentation includes both user-run instruments, which require staff-led training prior to use, as well as staff-run instruments, where users will submit their samples directly to the Core. Staff-assisted sessions are available to users for an additional fee on all user-run instrumentation. The Leaching Environmental Assessment Framework (LEAF) Methods, a leaching evaluation system from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is also available through the Core.

Website: https://www.vanderbilt.edu/mderfh/

Learn more about MSRC's core capabilities, educational opportunities, and current research: Watch the video.

Mass Spectrometry Core

Provides instrumentation for structural analysis of biological molecules and qualitative and quantitative assays of chemotherapeutic agents and metabolites in physiological fluids. The instrumentation facilities consist of a variety of mass spectrometric and high-pressure liquid chromatographic systems.

Website: https://lab.vanderbilt.edu/msrc-mass-spectrometry-core-lab/

Proteomics Core

Provides state-of-the-art instrumentation and expertise in analytical proteomics, proteome profiling, and imaging to Vanderbilt researchers. Instrumentation is available for protein and peptide separations by 2D-gel electrophoresis and multidimensional high performance liquid chromatography (LC).

Proteins and peptides of interest are processed and subjected to mass spectral (MS) analysis, and protein identifications are made based on a comparison of MS data with sequence information from genomic, protein, and EST databases. Proteome profiling and imaging in frozen tissue sections are done by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) MS. Proteomics Laboratory staff provide consultation on experimental design and sample preparation.

Website: https://lab.vanderbilt.edu/msrc-proteomics-core/

Tissue/Serum Proteomics Core

Offers a variety of services in order to determine the proteomic profiles of tissue, serum, and other biological fluids using MALDI mass spectrometry. Investigators work closely with Core personnel in order to design the experiment that will best answer the scientific questions being posed. The typical study involves examining protein changes between two experimental groups; e.g., control vs. diseased or treated vs. nontreated. The services offered by the Tissue/Serum Proteomics Core include tissue profiling, tissue imaging, 1D and 2D robotic biofluid fractionation and protein profiling, and multidimensional LC-MS/MS “shotgun” proteomics analysis of biofluids and tissue homogenates. In addition, various biocomputational services are offered in conjunction with data acquisition, including biostatistical comparisons of sample groups and image processing.

The Mouse Metabolic Phenotyping Center (MMPC) has been a NIH-funded center since 2001. Our mission is to provide investigators with metabolic phenotyping services using mouse models. The emphasis being on models of diabetes, obesity, and related cardiometabolic diseases. Phenotyping tests a range from basic experimental protocols to state-of-the-art approaches.

The MMPC is divided into two subcores.

The Metabolic Regulation Subcore oversees services associated with analyses of glucose/lipid metabolism and insulin action using isotopic tracer techniques.

The Body Weight Regulation Subcore oversees investigations into mechanisms that regulate weight gain or loss using metabolic chambers and indirect calorimetry as well as approaches for assessing exercise capacity.

Both subcores leverage sophisticated surgical techniques (e.g., vascular catheterization, bariatric surgery, cranial implants) and instrumentation. They provide investigators with input on experimental design and data analysis. The MMPC develops new procedures and approaches to meet evolving research needs. This also provides investigators with educational and training resources.

The Division of Science Machine Shop, located in Vanderbilt’s Stevenson Science Center, is staffed by a full-time manager/instrument maker.  The Science Shop has three- and four-axis CNC milling machines, multiple lathes, and other machines that are used regularly to produce hardware components, including prototypes.  The Machine Shop also offers consultation on designs prior to the fabrication process.

Website: https://as.vanderbilt.edu/research/physics-machine-shop.php

We offer UNIX/Linux computer system support, including networking and software support for workstations, printers, and server-class systems. We can also offer limited services for Windows and Macintosh systems where appropriate. The cost of service per system varies depending on system type, system function, and other factors that relate to the amount of support required to maintain the system.

Neurochemistry Core Laboratory

Offers services for neurochemical profiling of brain, peripheral tissues and body fluids. The core provides analytical services for the quantitation of multiple biogenic amine neurotransmitters (e.g. dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, acetylcholine), biogenic amine metabolites, amino acids and amino acid neurotransmitters (e.g. glutamate, GABA). Investigators provide primary tissue samples or extracts stabilized for analysis.

Mouse Neurobehavior Cores

This facility provides infrastructure and guidance to support the assessment of behavior in genetically altered mice. Automated, computer-controlled instrumentation provides for assessment of motor and cognitive behavior as well as drug responses. MNL core personnel consult with investigators on experimental design and train core users in animal handling, data acquisition, and statistical analysis. Core personnel may also assist with writing methods and results sections for manuscripts or grants.

Murine Neurobehavioral Laboratory

Website: http://www.vandymouse.org/

Provides equipment, training and consulting for Vanderbilt personnel who are interested in studying rat models of both neurological and psychiatric disorders. Examples of assays available for research in rats include models of anxiety, depression, drug abuse, learning and memory, cognition, attention, social interaction, pain, motor activity and coordination. Investigators can employ the latest technology in video capture and software-based analysis of behavior.

VBI Instrument Core

The Vanderbilt Brain Institute maintains this large and diverse set of instruments located throughout MRB3. Equipment is pay/per use and available for anyone to use as we strive to provide a collaborative environment to all of Vanderbilt’s community of researchers.

Website: https://lab.vanderbilt.edu/vbi-core-labs/vbi-equipment-resource

The Vanderbilt Genome Editing Resource (VGER) facilitates the generation and use of germline-altered mice at Vanderbilt and elsewhere. VGER provides services that include the electroporation or microinjection of early-stage mouse embryos, the design of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing projects, and the cryopreservation, storage and rederivation of lines of mice. VGER also performs genome editing of human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs).

The Vanderbilt Cryopreserved Mouse Repository (VCMR) maintains unique cryopreserved mouse strains that have been developed by Vanderbilt investigators. Use of the VCMR facilitates compliance with NIH sharing requirements.

VGER staff have extensive experience in the design of production of novel mouse models and human PSCs and are happy to facilitate new projects or to provide consultation.

     VGER Website: https://medschool.vanderbilt.edu/vger/

We have developed a highly dynamic environment that utilizes industry standard practices and novel technologies for biological screening.

Website:  https://medschool.vanderbilt.edu/hts/

VINSE provides access and training on state-of-the-art fabrication and characterization equipment inside Vanderbilt University’s Engineering and Science Building (ESB). Full-time staff provide training, process assistance and tool troubleshooting.  Our facilities include a cleanroom, analytical support core and advanced imaging suite. The cleanroom provides cutting-edge nanofabrication tools for the development of materials and integrated devices as well as microfluidic and nano-photonic systems. An analytical laboratory conveniently located adjacent to the cleanroom contains a comprehensive range of characterization tools. The imaging suite hosts advanced electron and atomic force microscopes capable of characterizing a wide variety of samples from complex layered semiconductors, nanoparticles, to hydrated biological specimens with a space dedicated specimen preparation. VINSE facilities are open to the Vanderbilt community as well as to external partners, including non-profit and academic institutions, start-ups and industry. 

Website:  http://www.vanderbilt.edu/vinse/

The Vanderbilt Institute for Spatial Research (VISR) is an advanced geospatial modeling and analysis facility. VISR partners with diverse multidisciplinary researchers and entities across Vanderbilt, VUMC, and the region. As Vanderbilt’s only advanced geospatial analysis facility, VISR enables our faculty in disciplines ranging from the social sciences, earth sciences, medicine and epidemiology, civil engineering, education, and humanities to integrate geospatial dimensions into their research programs. VISR also addresses a large and growing demand for geophysical survey (primarily Ground Penetrating Radar and Magnetometry) of archaeological sites (both historic and prehistoric) throughout middle Tennessee. Our services encompass several areas of geospatial modeling and analysis, including (but no limited to) the following:

• Geospatial statistical analysis (cluster/hotspot analyses, geographically weighted regression)
• Geospatial modeling (suitability analysis, viewshed, spatial network analysis, etc)
• Geostatistical modeling (kriging and related analyses)
• Remote sensing analysis (image classification and segmentation, Land Use Land Cover modeling, change detection, etc)
• Geophysical survey (Ground Penetrating Radar, Magnetometry)
• Photogrammetry
• Cartographic consultation and production 

For these and other services, VISR can provide end-to-end support, from research design and conception (consultation and drafting of proposals) through reporting and publication.

Website: https://wernkelab.org/

The Vanderbilt Neurovisualization Lab (VNL) is the principal resource for whole brain light sheet imaging and data analysis for Vanderbilt University’s neuroscience community. VNL provides professional scientific guidance and microscopy services to lower the barrier for integration of light sheet imaging into a diversity of ongoing research programs. In addition, high throughput whole-slide scanning is available for efficient acquisition and analysis of large numbers of slide-mounted sections (e.g. FISH labeling).

Website: https://lab.vanderbilt.edu/vnl/

The Small Molecule NMR Facility Core is comprised of five Bruker NMR spectrometers ranging from 300-600 MHz. Researchers interested in accessing the Small Molecule NMR Facility Core are encouraged to explore the facility webpage.

Website:  https://lab.vanderbilt.edu/smnmr/overview/

The Chemical Synthesis Core was established within the Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology to support the organic and medicinal chemistry needs of Vanderbilt investigators. The primary focus of the core is to facilitate biology-oriented projects within the medical center and the university by assisting with the chemistry aspect of the project. The core works independently or in collaboration with the VICB High Throughput Screening Center on the synthesis of literature-cited compounds (including patented ones) as well as full scale lead optimization of a compound.

Website: https://medschool.vanderbilt.edu/syncore/

The VICB High-Throughput Screening Core (V-HTS) was created to provide Vanderbilt investigators with a highly dynamic environment in which industry standard practices and novel technologies for assay development and biological screening can be accessed to aid the identification and investigation of new compounds for basic research and pharmacological discovery. Capabilities in the V-HTS are wide-ranging, including full-service high-throughput screening, functional genomic screening, compound management services, and informatics solutions, as well as assay development in support of lead optimization, which is often done in collaboration with the VICB Molecular Design and Synthesis Center (V-MDSC). The V-HTS is staffed by experienced scientists who provide individual training for walk-up use as well as full-service access to state-of-the-art HTS instrumentation.

Instrumentation available in the V-HTS includes tip-based and non-contact liquid handlers, robotic arms for plate handling and automation, multi-mode plate readers with a vast array of assay modalities, kinetic plate readers/imaging, high-content imaging and analysis, and a high-throughput metabolic assay platform. The high-content imaging systems feature machine learning software that allows for the use of both 2D and 3D culture models for phenotypic assays and screens. The facility maintains a high-quality compound library of diverse small molecules (>350,000), including human-tested drug candidates (NIH CC) and FDA-approved drug sets (>2,200). The V-HTS also provides functional genomics screening services using their whole genome siRNA collection (18,100 genes) and ORFeome library (15,500 genes), as well as the ability to perform CRISPR-arrayed library screening. 

The VICB Molecular Design and Synthesis Center (V-MDSC) was established within the Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology (VICB) to support the organic and medicinal chemistry needs of Vanderbilt investigators. The core provides comprehensive access to known and designed small molecules in support of biology-oriented projects. Projects supported range from scale-up of reported pharmacologically active compounds to synthesis of complex structures such as prostaglandin metabolites. Expertise in the core also includes the development of chemical probes with functional purpose to enable early proof-of-concept studies in disease models. In connection with the latter programs, the core collaborates with the VICB High Throughput Screening Center (V-HTS) following small molecule lead identification and with investigators with disease-specific expertise. For a sampling of core projects completed between 2007 and 2020, see: ACS Chemical Biology 2021, 787-793 (PMID: 33877812).