Facility and Building System Upgrades Support for the Mason Biomedical Research Laboratory

项目摘要/摘要 2002年，NIAID召集了一个关于生物恐怖主义及其对生物医学研究的影响的小组，以确定 美国生物防御研究的主要优先事项和短期和长期目标。为回应这一事件 根据专家小组的建议，NIAID为建设两个国家生物控制中心提供了资金 实验室和12个区域生物遏制实验室(RBL)。这些安装一直是一个重要的 为国家提供资源，作为新兴传染病尖端科学研究和 生物防御病原体可以安全携带。 乔治梅森大学的生物研究实验室(BRL)是12个RBL之一，并 于2010年7月投入使用。在它开放以来的十年里，GMU的调查人员利用BRL 研究选定的制剂，如图拉氏方济氏菌、假马利氏伯克霍尔德氏菌、鼠疫耶氏菌、芽孢杆菌 炭疽病、委内瑞拉马脑炎病毒、东部马脑炎病毒和SARS-CoV-2，以及 其他病原体，包括艾滋病毒和HTLV-1。 为了继续在BRL成功的基础上再接再厉，我们正在寻求升级大楼基础设施的各个方面， 除了购买新的笼子和最先进的设备来满足科学工作者的需求 社区将重点放在传染病研究和抗击下一次大流行上。 该提案的具体目的如下：1)购买动物笼子，以扩大BRL的能力 饲养各种动物，从啮齿动物到非人类灵长类动物；2)更换组织消化器；3)购买 成像设备，包括富士Vevo和Mediso PET-CT；4)安装自动浇水装置 动物收容室系统；5)更换热水器。

Project Summary/Abstract In 2002, the NIAID convened a Panel on Bioterrorism and its implications for Biomedical Research to determine key priorities and short- and long-term goals for biodefense research in the United States. In response to the panel’s recommendations, the NIAID provided funding for the construction of two National Biocontainment Laboratories and 12 Regional Biocontainment Laboratories (RBLs). These installations have been an important resource for the nation as facilities where cutting edge scientific research on emerging infectious diseases and biodefense pathogens can be safely carried out. The Biological Research Laboratory (BRL) at George Mason University (GMU) is one of the 12 RBLs, and went into operation in July of 2010. In the decade since it opened its doors, GMU investigators have used the BRL to study select agents, such as Francisella tularensis, Burkholderia pseudomallei, Yesrinia pestis, Bacillus anthracis, Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus, Eastern equine encephalitis virus and SARS-CoV-2, as well as other pathogens, including, HIV and HTLV-1. To continue building on the success of the BRL, we are looking to upgrade aspects of the building’s infrastructure, in addition to purchasing new caging and state-of-the-art equipment that can serve the needs of the scientific community focused on infectious disease research and fighting the next pandemic. The Specific Aims of the proposal are as follows: 1) Purchase of animal caging to expand the BRL’s ability to house various species, from rodents to non-human primates; 2) Replacement of the tissue digester; 3) Purchase of imaging equipment, including the Fuji Vevo and Mediso PET-CT; 4) Installation of an automated watering system for the animal holding rooms; 5) Replacement of hot water heaters.