Research Animal Support Facility
Investigators in the Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis make extensive use of animal models to study the development and prevention of carcinogenesis. Animal models are used to examine host and environmental risk factors and to identify biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis and assessment of therapeutic responses. Models in use or development include those for cancers of the prostate, mammary gland, urinary bladder, esophagus, pancreas, head and neck, skin and lymphoid system.
Services
The Research Animal Support Facility provides animal husbandry services, veterinary care and consultation, surgical and technical support, health and genetic quality assurance, consultation and an assortment of technical services to support departmental and institutional research. Well over 350 genetically unique rodent lines are bred and used in this facility and are shared with colleagues around the world. Regulatory compliance and training and education in animal care and use are additional functions of the facility, as are provision of animal health quality assurance testing and breeding colony management. The resource receives partial operational support from the MD Anderson Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG).
Leadership
Lezlee Coghlan, DVM, DACLAM
Associate Professor, Molecular Carcinogenesis
Director, Animal Resources
Attending Veterinarian
Phone: (512) 237-9321
Fax: (512) 237-9498
Email: lcoghlan@mdanderson.org
Dale Weiss, AALAS-LATg
Associate Director, Animal Resources
Phone: (512) 237-9509
Fax: (512) 237-9498
Email: dweiss@mdanderson.org
Fernando Benavides, DVM, PhD, DACLAM
Associate Professor, Molecular Carcinogenesis
Chief IACUC Veterinarian-Smithville
Phone: (512) 237-9343
Email: fbenavid@mdanderson.org