Research

The Institute for Translational Neuroscience's unique configuration—combined with state-of-the-art equipment, facilities, and resources—is quickly advancing basic, translational and clinical brain science research at the University of Minnesota. The institute's access to facilities and resources is wide and far-spanning across different colleges, schools, and departments.

ITN uses the high-resolution imaging equipment in conjunction with mouse models to better understand disease progression of the brain. Neuroscience researchers in different disciplines are exploring numerous conditions and disorders spanning from movement disorders to stem cells and from devices and therapeutic treatments. 

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Research

What is Translational Research?

Translational research is the process of applying discoveries generated during research in the laboratory and development of trials and studies in humans. To learn more about translational research please visit the following:

MnDRIVE

MnDRIVE marks the MN Legislature’s landmark $36M investment joining researchers from across the U's colleges and campuses with key and emerging state industries. Discoveries and treatments for brain conditions will address complex and debilitating brain-related disorders by leveraging university and state investments in medicine and engineering and extending our vibrant partnerships with medical device industries in Minnesota.

Research Opportunities

MnDRIVE Discoveries and treatments for brain conditions announces its new Neuromodulation Innovation Grants program. The objective is to support transformative ideas in neuromodulation that engage multiple disciplines, industry partners, or NGOs to address unmet needs. We expect to fund 4-6 grants. Maximum for each awarded grant will be $100,000 to $150,000. Recipients will be announced in mid-March and will have up to two years to complete projects.

Facilities

Wallin Medical Biosciences Building

The Wallin Medical Biosciences Building (WMBB) opened in December 2009 and was the second building in the Biomedical Discovery District (BDD). It currently houses:
  • Institute for Translational Neuroscience
  • Center for Immunology
  • Biocontainment Research Facility and Program

Biomedical Discovery District

The Biomedical Discovery District (BDD) is a complex of research buildings designed to allow researchers from across the Academic Health Center to work side by side in order to find cures, treatments and prevention of diseases. The various facilities are comprised of state-of-the-art space to fight today’s health challenges. Each facility hosts basic and translational research areas that span from hearing, vision, and stem cells to infectious disease, neuroscience, and immunology. The newest facility is expected to open in 2013 which will host cancer and cardiovascular research.

Core Resources

Biomedical Genomics Center

The mission of the BMGC is to promote genomics and proteomics research at the University of Minnesota and in the community.  We exist to advance the use of genomics, and achieve this mission by acquiring state-of-the-art instrumentation and offering an array of complete services, including sequencing, Next-generation Sequencing, long-read sequencing, expression analysis, genotyping, epigenomics, single-cell genomics, metagenomics, as well as related support services such as nucleic acid extraction and quality control.

Mouse Behavior Core

The goal of the Mouse Behavior Core is to provide the highest quality assessment of the neurological status and specific behaviors in mice for investigators who use murine models to address questions about basic biology or disease in the CNS.  The Core provides consultation of project design, test selection and data analysis, access to and training on behavioral equipment, and full service testing performed by experienced core staff. 

Mouse Genetics Laboratory

Mouse Genetics Laboratory (MGL), acting as a Research Resource for the Academic Health Center, provides a comprehensive range of mouse embryo manipulation services.  Housed in the Cancer Cardiovascular Research Building (CCRB), MGL offers microinjection, mouse embryo manipulation, tissue culture, and administration capabilities in conjunction with dedicated animal housing space. 

Research Informatics Solutions at the Minnesota Supercomputing Institute

The Minnesota Supercomputing Institute is a core research facility of the University within the Research Computing umbrella group of the Office of the Vice President for Research. Its mission is to provide advanced research computing infrastructure and expertise to the University of Minnesota research and scholarly community in order to advance and accelerate research and foster innovation and discoveries through advanced computing technologies, scientific computing and informatics, application development, and services.

University Imaging Center

The University Imaging Centers (UIC) compose a network of core imaging facility locations for advanced optical imaging and basic electron microscopy located within the AHC/Medical School on the University of Minnesota Twin Cities Campus.