Versiti Blood Research Institute Cores

VBRI Shared Core Facilities
The Shared Resources at Versiti Blood Research Institute (VBRI) form a network of laboratories dedicated to advancing biomedical research by providing investigators affiliated with VBRI and the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center campus access to specialized services, state of the art instruments, and expert staff. (Front Page) Supported by the Versiti Blood Research Institute Foundation, these core facilities provide resources that would be cost-prohibitive for individual labs to maintain independently. The Shared Resources equip researchers with the tools, training, and technical expertise needed to maximize the impact of their work. With a commitment to cutting-edge technology and collaboration, these facilities empower researchers to drive progress and achieve groundbreaking discoveries.

Contact: Erin Yttre

Grant Application Support
This no-cost service is coordinated by the Director of VBRI Shared Resources and the senior coordinator of shared resources and laboratory operations. When planning to refer to VBRI’s Shared Resources in a grant proposal, the investigator should arrange a meeting with Shared Resources to discuss the nature and scope of the project and the specific aspects relevant to Shared Resources utilization.

Contact: Dr. L William Cashdollar

VBRI Bioinformatics
VBRI Bioinformatics Core offers comprehensive support throughout the lifecycle of scientific projects, from experimental design to data analysis, result interpretation, and dissemination of findings. Our capabilities encompass the development and operation of standard and advanced data processing pipelines and model development, covering tasks such as bulk next-generation sequencing analysis (e.g., RNA-Seq, DNA-Seq, methyl-Seq and ChIP-Seq), single-cell analysis, transcriptome and genome annotation, variant detection and interpretation, mass spectrometry, glycomics, and metagenomics.

Contact: Tongjun Gu

MRMC Hematology Biorepository
VBRI Hematology Biorepository serves as a centralized shared facility that systematically collects, stores, and manages biospecimens and associated data. With its potential to unlock a wealth of information, a biorepository represents a crucial investment in the future of healthcare and promises to transform our understanding and treatment of disease.

VBRI Flow Cytometry Core
VBRI Flow Cytometry Core maintains a suite of instruments and software applications for the analysis and sorting of cells and small particles based on the detection of light scatter and fluorescently labeled markers. Conventional cytometers and cell sorters, a spectral cytometer, imaging cytometer, and multiple analytical software are available for campus. Expert cytometry staff are on-hand to provide training in the operation of instruments and analytic software, to assist with cytometry-focused experimental design, and perform critical sample analysis and cell sorting on user-guided experimental projects.

Contact: Savannah Neu

VBRI Histology Core
VBRI Histology Core is managed by a skilled, board-certified histologist and features a state-of-the-art laboratory. This core offers comprehensive services, including tissue processing, embedding, sectioning (both paraffin embedded and frozen section), and staining of biospecimens. Additionally, it supports specialized techniques such as CryoJane tape transfer and various special staining protocols.

Contact: Nicole Leon

VBRI Hybridoma Core
VBRI Hybridoma Core provides custom services and products related to the production of monoclonal antibodies. This Core has developed monoclonal antibodies against a wide variety of antigens, purified proteins, recombinant proteins, and peptides. The staff of the facility will carry out the whole process from immunization, fusion, screening, through the final cloning, freezing and production of mAb. In addition, the Hybridoma core maintains an inventory of established hybridoma cell lines, as well as primary cultures of endothelial cells.

Contact: Irene Hernandez

VBRI Microscopy Core
VBRI Microscopy Core provides access to advanced imaging systems, including widefield, laser scanning confocal, spinning disk confocal, multiphoton, and super resolution. Experienced Imaging Specialists provide training in microscope operation, image acquisition, and data analysis. Specialists also offer consultations for experimental design, sample preparation, and acquisition parameters. Through cutting-edge technology and Imaging Specialist collaboration, the Microscopy Core helps researchers achieve high quality data efficiently.

Contact: Marie Schulte or Kelsey Benton

VBRI Molecular and Single Cell Biology Core
VBRI Molecular and Single Cell Biology Core operates and maintains equipment needed for preparation, quantitation and analysis of DNA and RNA, DNA sequencing, real-time PCR amplification, and single-cell sequencing. Experienced Staff are available for consultations, training, and maintaining instrumentation.

Contact: Eric Michalski or Trudy Holyst

VBRI Protein Core
VBRI Protein Core provides custom peptide synthesis and purification using natural and non-natural amino acids, and has extensive expertise with modifications such as biotinylation, fluorescent labeling, conjugation to carrier proteins, cyclization, and characterization by mass spectroscopy. The Core maintains HPLC and FPLC chromatography equipment, an automated protein separation and detection system, instruments for nanoparticle characterization, and an automated pipetting system for use in protein crystallography. Staff provide training in the operation of instruments and analytic software and assist with experimental design.

Contact: Trudy Holyst

VBRI Shared Instrumentation
VBRI’s Shared Instrumentation offers researchers a range of specialized equipment, including instruments for protein and nucleic acid quantitation, gel imaging, plate reading, hematology analysis, centrifugation, and other essential wet lab tools. These instruments are not affiliated with a specific core but are available for use across campus. Expert staff maintain the equipment and are available for training and consultations.

Contact: Eric Michalski or Trudy Holyst

VBRI Thrombosis and Hemostasis Core
VBRI Thrombosis and Hemostasis Core provide access to instrumentation and services that enable ex-vivo analyses of blood coagulation and platelet function in blood and plasma samples, as well as in-vivo evaluation of blood clot formation in experimental animals. Experienced staff are available for consultations, trainings, and maintaining instrumentation.

Contact: Jeremy Mattson

VBRI Viral Vector Core
The VBRI Viral Vector Core, located at the Versiti Blood Research Institute, is a shared resource between VBRI and the Medical College of Wisconsin.  The Core specializes in gene silencing and protein expression using lentivirus, retrovirus, and adeno-associated virus systems. Services include viral vector production, purification, and titration, along with additional services such as plasmid cloning, mutagenesis, and plasmid DNA preparation. Experienced staff are available for consultations on vector design.

Contact: Brad Best or Eric Michalski

Research Offices

Clinical Trials and Research Office
Versiti’s clinical research office manages the relationship between clinical trials and human volunteers for medical studies.

Office of Research Innovation & Technology Transfer
Patenting, grant management, licensing and contract negotiation services for technological advances across Versiti and Versiti Blood Research Institute.