GUMC Zebrafish Shared Resource Aquatic Habitat Modernization Project

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Abstract: The Georgetown University Medical Center (GUMC) Zebrafish Shared Resource (ZSR), a member of the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center (LCCC) Research Consortium, provides expertise and ready access to zebrafish as a model for biomedical research to the GUMC community. Under the direction of Dr. Eric Glasgow, Assistant Professor of Oncology, and with assistance from Dr. Matthew Swift, the ZSR has provided research services and support for dozens of investigators, both internal and external, to incorporate zebrafish models into their research. The ZSR was the first of its kind to offer full-service access to zebrafish models anywhere and is an essential part of GUMC fulfilling its mission to offer a full range of state-of-the-art research services expected of a top national academic medical center. The current aquatic life support system utilized by the facility was built in 2004. Due to maintenance by and expertise of the ZSR director, the facility has far outlasted its projected useful lifespan, as well as that of the company that built it, Aquatic Habitats. A complete upgrade of the current system is necessary in order to maintain and enhance the efficiency and standardization of our zebrafish husbandry. A modern, technologically advanced aquatic animal system equipped with water quality assessment sensors will increase the housing capacity, doubling the number fish; decrease the husbandry workload increasing operational efficiencies; increase sustainability by saving energy, water, and materials; standardize husbandry conditions; and improve the consistency and quality of egg laying. These improvements will increase research capacity of the ZSR, as well as improving the rigor, reproducibility, and translatability of our zebrafish-based research. We are applying for this R24 grant in order to purchase a new aquatic system that will accomplish these goals and allow GUMC to expand on its position as one of the leaders in utilizing the zebrafish model for research into oncology, immunology, neuroscience, and developmental biology. If awarded, the grant will cover necessary expenditures related to the purchase of the new system and required support equipment.