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Networking Laboratory Animal Phenotyping Service (SEFALer)
The Networking Laboratory Animal Phenotyping Service (SEFALer) main objective is to characterize the phenotype of animal models of rare diseases as a fundamental tool for studying the physiopathology, for understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms, for identifying diagnostic criteria and for evaluating and refining new therapies
SEFALer is a service coordinated by CIBERER through several of research groups, providing important support to the research activity of the CIBERER units .
The following detailed information show the activities performed in 2014 based on the objectives proposed for the year in each section:
OBJECTIVE 1. TO INCREASE THE PHENOTYPING OFFER AND SEFALER’S ACTIVITY
In 2014, the SEFALer service offer has been increased with the following proposals:
• SEFALer F1 Unit- Dr . Isabel Varela-U761: this unit has implemented a method for counting inner ear hair cells using stereological techniques, surgical techniques for determining the endocochlear potential in murine models and a vestibular phenotyping test panel . A noise exposure model in rat as well as surgical techniques for the local administration of drugs to the inner ear are being developed .
• SEFALer F3 Unit - Dr . Cristina Fillat and Dr . Mara Dierssen-U716: the unit has incorporated in its offer longitudinal analysis systems for analysing the progression of the ingestion, vertical activity and actual position of the animal . This allows a long-term study in which these variables are shown in real time during the data acquisition process . Furthermore, this unit has incorporated electrophysiological techniques (LTP) and intracranial injection techniques and developed models for compulsive behaviour study, drug abuse studies and computational modelling .
• SEFALer F4 Unit- Dr . Consuelo González Manchón U734: this unit has implemented methods for analysing different blood cell components and specific assays for evaluating the haemostasis in animal models, providing tools to recognize the condition of the coagulation pathways as well as to evaluate the platelet aggregation and thrombogenesis in vivo . Furthermore, the optimization of in vitro tubulogenesis assays which would allow evaluating the angiogenic capacity of primary endothelial cell cultures originating from genetically modified animals is being developed . With this technique, the effect of inhibitory or potentiating agents on the formation of blood vessels, as well as the study of the signal transduction and cytoskeleton remodelling of the endothelial cells of the study animals can also be evaluated .
All the services offered by each of the SEFALer units can be seen in www .ciberer .es/sefaler
Among the many functional phenotyping assays performed by the SEFARLer units for different CIBERER units, as well as for other CIBER-RETICS and research units not related to CIBERER, the following stands out:
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