Center for Microbiome Research

Welcome to the Medical College of Wisconsin Center for Microbiome Research (CMR)!

We are dedicated to providing specialized resources for translational and basic research studies on the microbiome. We promote education on the microbiome and its impact on human health.

The CMR provides expertise and technical support for microbiome-focused research, from initial project consultation, sample collection and processing, data analysis and interpretation, to preparation of publication/application quality figures.

The CMR operates the Gnotobiotic Core Facility (GCF) and maintains its axenic (aka germ-free) mouse colonies. The GCF is a dedicated space for germ-free and gnotobiotic rodent studies within the MCW Biomedical Resource Center (BRC).

Services

• Germ-free mice; Germ-free and gnotobiotic husbandry and study-specific technical support; multi-cage isolators and individual isocaging
• Microbial bioinformatics analysis: 16S rRNA gene seq, metagenomics; metatranscriptomics, Visium, single-cell, RNA-seq upon consultation
• Microbial nucleic acid extractions and training; Sample collection supplies (per piece vs bulk purchase)
• Consultation - Microbiome experimental design; Microbiome sample collection, processing, and sequencing
• Consultation - Cost projections and study budgets; Verbiage for funding applications

Resources

• Gnotobiotic Core Facility (assisted use only, no independent access): germ-free mouse colonies and dedicated isolators/isocaging
• Microbial Nucleic Acid Extractions (assisted, independent): bead-beating protocols, bench space. DNA suitable for standard sequencing protocols
• Microbial Bioinformatics  

Our People

Nita Salzman, MD, PhD | Founding Director
Mary Holtz, PhD | Research Operations Manager
Jennifer Ziegelbauer | GCF Manager, Bench Services Manager 
Samantha Atkinson, PhD | Bioinformatician
Amy Pan, PhD | Biostatistician

Location and hours of operation

Links and Resources

• MCW Center for Microbiome Research
• ABRF Core Marketplace: RRID: SCR_028507

Contacts