How much will my experiment cost?
Experimental costs are dictated by number of mice in an experiment, number of conditions (germ-free versus colonized, untreated versus treated, etc.), requirement for and number of interventions during the experiment, and duration of the experiment. Specific charges are based upon the time requirements for our highly-trained gnotobiotic technicians. A detailed estimate will be provided after experiment submission via iLab.
What is the wait time to start an experiment?
This depends on the number of cages or isolators needed, as well as the number, sex, and strain of mice desired. For many experiments of limited duration using C57BL6/N or Swiss-Webster germ-free mice, experiments can be started almost immediately. For experiments of longer duration that require rederivation of specific strains or use of a large number of C57BL6/J, there may be wait time of up to 2-3 months involved. Information about the wait time for your specific experiment can be discussed with Mike White.
How do I acknowledge the Core?
All work performed in the Gnotobiotic Core Facility should be acknowledged in presentations, posters, and publications.
Acknowledgement is an important benchmark by which we can measure the impact of our core over time. Please acknowledge the “Washington University Gnotobiotic Core Facility” when appropriate. If you need any assistance with the methods section of your manuscript to ensure it accurately reflects how experiments are conducted in our facility, please reach out to Megan Baldridge and/or Mike White.
Can you provide me with a letter of support or description of the facility for my grant application?
Yes, absolutely! Please contact Megan Baldridge for a letter of support and/or facility description.
Can I access the facility to perform my experiment?
Currently, only gnotobiotic facility personnel are permitted access to our interim facility. The gnotobiotic staff are highly skilled in conducting a variety of experimental interventions, and are enthusiastic to learn new techniques if required for your specific experiment. Drop-off of microbiota samples, special feed, and other experimental supplies can be coordinated with the gnotobiotic facility staff. With the future construction of an expanded facility (Gnotobiotic Research, Education, and Transgenic (WU-GREaT) Center), training in gnotobiotic procedures and access to the facility will be available.
Does the facility provide support for microbiota analysis?
We routinely screen all of our germ-free mice to confirm the absence of microbes. For experiments, the gnotobiotic facility provides the option to directly submit fecal samples for microbiota analyses to commercial microbiota services (microbial culturing and/or 16S through Charles River or shotgun sequencing through Transnetyx). These commercial services provide some analysis options and sequencing data to the investigators. However, the core is not responsible for interpretation of microbiota data arising from experiments.