Diabetes Center at UCSF - Core Facilities

Overview Microscopy & Cellular Imaging Islet Production Facility Mouse Genetics Genomics & Bioinformatics

Diabetes Endocrinology Research Center (DERC)

DERC was established to support and enhance interactions among an outstanding team of investigators involved in Type 1 or 2 diabetes research.

UCSF JDRF CENTER (CCCT)

The mission of the center is to develop and test a new approach to the treatment of Type 1 diabetes by bringing together researchers from 5 academic institutions and 1 commercial partner.

Core Facilities

Microscopy and Cellular Imaging Core:

This core laboratory provides access to microscopes, image analysis software and training. Microscopes include two confocal microscopes and two florescence microscopes. Three workstations can access a variety of software for image processing and analysis. Both training and advice is available for groups or individuals.

Islet Cell Production Core:

The core provides Center investigators with high quality human and murine islets. Standard methods and reagents ensure quality and reproducibility. In addition, the core routinely assesses islets for quality, sterility and function by a number of biological and biochemical assays.

Mouse Genetics Core:

This core facility is designed to facilitate the creation of new mutant mouse strains for diabetes-related research. The core provides expertise in the areas of gene-targeting in mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells and in microinjection of mouse embryos. Both advice and technical services are available.

Genomics and Bioinformatics:

This core provides access to advice, reagents, equipment, software and technical assistance for genome wide analysis. Available technologies include Affymetrix oligonucleotide arrays, custom spotted cDNA and long-oligonucleotide arrays, and TaqMan quantitative PCR.

Human Islet & Cellular Transplantation Facility
This a 4,500 sq ft GMP operated cleanroom facility necessary for biologics, cellular and tissue manufacturing for clinical trials under IND.

It is located at the UCSF Mission Center Building campus.

A dynamic Quality Program is in place overseen by staff trained in current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) and current Good Tissue Practices (cGTP).

3 large Class 10,000 processing suites, each approximately 1000 sq ft comprise the facility together with support rooms for Gowning, Prepping, Released Materials, Quarantine, and Decontaminating.

It has a dedicated HVAC system (84 ceiling HEPA filters and 5 Air Handling Units)

The facility features a pass thru Autoclave and Depyrogenation Oven

Interlocking doors inside transitional cleanroom corridors help maintain air balance.

It has a dedicated Purified water system (RO/DI, UV light treated water) essential for cleanroom cleaning and supplying the steam for the autoclave’s PSG (pure steam generator.)

A robust environmental monitoring program is followed. Air particles no greater than 0.5 microns stay within acceptable standards for cleanrooms.

Adherence to the FDA Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (CMC) guidelines regarding minimizing airborne and surface microbials in cleanrooms are strictly followed;

Numerous mechanisms are in place to minimize cross contamination of adverse particulates.

Triple cleaning (all walls, ceilings and floors) of the facility is scheduled twice yearly.

Changeover procedures after each batch processing are maintained.

Contact:
Florinna Dekovic, HICTF Operations and QA Manager for details for usage (415) 502-7711

Fore more information on these and additional shared research facilities on the Parnassus Campus (Biological Imaging Development Center, Flow Cytometry, Genomics & Bioinformatics, Hybridoma and Monoclonal Antibody, Islet Production Facility, Lentiviral RNA Interefence, Microscopy, Mouse Genetic), please see the attached link.