EMU for automation and modernization of the Animal facility at the ICB-USP to enable advances in reproducibility, quality and precision of biomedical research in animal models through the acquisition of hygiene and sterilization equipments.

• Grant number: 23/17354-1
• Support Opportunities: Research Infrastructure Program - Small Medium Sized
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• End date: August 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Morphology - Cytology and Cell Biology
• Principal Investigator: Marilene Hohmuth Lopes
• Grantee: Marilene Hohmuth Lopes
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Anselmo Sigari Moriscot ; Diego Luís Costa ; Elen Haruka Miyabara ; Elisa Mitiko Kawamoto Iwashe ; José Cesar Rosa Neto ; Luiz Roberto Giorgetti de Britto ; Maria Regina D'Império Lima ; Marucia Chacur ; Momtchilo Russo ; Renata Frazão ; Sandra Marcia Muxel ; Vagner Roberto Antunes

Abstract

Laboratory animals play a crucial role in advancing biomedical research, ensuring the quality and reproducibility of experiments. The essential contribution of these models is underscored by the fact that 186 out of 222 Nobel laureates in Physiology or Medicine utilized laboratory animals in their research. The Covid-19 pandemic has reiterated the critical contribution of laboratory animals to understanding this pathology. Rodents, comprising 95% of laboratory animals, play a crucial role in biomedical research, contributing both to the identification of mechanisms and the application of knowledge for potential therapies. However, it is important to note that the use of animal models in research is valid only when they are in extremely controlled environments (micro and macro). Regarding animal facilities, maintaining strict sanitary status is crucial, as failures in this regard can compromise the reliability of data, affecting the behavior, growth, reproduction, and immune response of animals. In this context, robust investments in infrastructure, coming from the University and funding agencies such as FAPESP and FINEP, have significantly increased projects involving rodents at USP, especially at ICB. In 2022, the scientific production of ICB researchers was 486 scientific articles, 113 new projects using animal models were approved by the Ethics Committee on the Use of Experimental Animals at the ICB and approximately 2,925 rats and 20,475 mice, including several strains, were maintained in the 9 facilities managed by the Central de Bioterismo do ICB/USP (CEBIOT). This center is responsible for maintaining 193 of the 520 genetically modified strains at USP. Therefore, the present proposal aims to enhance the infrastructure of the ICB-USP animal facilities, automating, modernizing, and improving controlled environments and clean rooms to serve researchers from ICB, USP, and external institutions. (AU)