In Vivo Therapeutics Core

Immunocompetent and immunodeficient breeding colonies

The In Vivo Therapeutics (IVT) Core maintains and distributes on-site breeding colonies of specialized immunocompetent (BoyJ, C57BL/6, BoyJ/C57 F1 cross) and immunodeficient (NSG and NRG) mouse strains.

As requested and coordinated by research programs, we support the set up and validation of syngeneic mouse tumor models and development of patient-derived human xenografts.

We manage all aspects of the Spectral Instruments Imaging Lago optical imaging system to evaluate tumor response in mouse models via bioluminescence and fluorescence modalities.

An ultra-sensitive CCD camera and full range excitation/emission filter sets provide capacity to analyze a broad spectral range, extending from the visible to near infrared light.
Optical imaging data can be linked to X-ray computed tomography to visualize anatomical sites.

The IVT Core also manages the irradiation facility and performs irradiation services needed for in vitro and in vivo experiments, including hematopoietic stem-cell transplantations.

For more information, contact IVT Core manager Tony Sinn at alsinn@iu.edu or 317-274-8811.

Manage IVT Orders Radiation Services Scheduler IVT Study Request Form

Pharmacological investigations

Utilize primary human hematopoietic cells and clonogenic progenitor assays to test effects of new compounds on normal cellular function

Coordinate pharmacokinetic studies with the Clinical Pharmacology Analytical Core (CPAC)
Evaluate efficacy and safety of therapies of new compounds and/or combination therapies to develop rational dosing regimes
Coordinate end-point analysis (necropsy and histology) with Preclinical Histology Core at IU School of Medicine

Facilitate development of novel humanized and immunocompetent xenograft models
Document tumor progression of previously untested tumors prior to drug efficacy and safety studies in immunodeficient mice.
Utilize the Spectral Instruments Imaging Lago optical imaging system to document tumor growth in orthotopic models via bioluminescence and fluorescence modalities

Establish tumors and administer drug regimen
Document tumor progression in vehicle- and drug-treated mice
Coordinate longitudinal imaging with the In vivo imaging core
Coordinate end-point analysis (necropsy and histology) with Preclinical Histology Core at IU School of Medicine

Cellular therapies

Radiation of mice prior to transplantation
Intravenous injection of hematopoietic stem cells into mice
Provide investigator with blood and tissue samples from transplanted mice
Coordinate analysis of multi-lineage engraftment in transplanted mice via flow cytometry with the CRT Core

IVT policies and procedures

All research work performed by the IVT should be acknowledged in all ensuing publications. Fees paid for services provided by the core should not negate the potential of co-authorship by core scientists. These acknowledgements and achievements are important for the existence and continued funding of the core facility.

Given that many validation procedures require advanced intellectual involvement by the core s scientists (examples listed below), it is expected that this acknowledgement will be in the form of co-authorship according to the guidelines for authorship recommended by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors.

IVT scientists performing one or more of the following tasks meet the criteria for authorship:

Literature review and providing assistance in selecting/conceiving the experiments appropriate for the study goals
Experimental design
Assay development/optimization
Data analysis and interpretation of data, or both
Preparation of pertinent sections/figures for the manuscript and revisions to address reviewer concerns/questions

All contributions that do not meet the criteria for authorship should be listed in the acknowledgments section. Examples of the tasks requiring an appropriate mention in the acknowledgment section are:

Mere collection of data (e.g., flow cytometry) using PI-provided protocols that require no further optimization and/or trouble-shooting.
Mere collection of in vivo study data (no data analysis or interpretation by core scientists.
Irradiation and/or transplant of bone marrow cells
Routine sample processing (e.g., serum/plasma separation, isolation of PBMCs from blood)

NSG: NOD.Cg-Prkdcscid Il2rgtm1Wjl/SzJ
NRG: (NOD.Cg-Rag1^tm1Mom Il2rgtm1Wjl/SzJ)
NSGS (NOD.Cg-Prkdc^scid Il2rgt^m1Wjl Tg(CMV-IL3,CSF2,KITLG)1Eav/MloySzJ)
C57BL/6J
Boy J: B6.SJL-Ptprca Pepcb/BoyJ
F1: C57BL/6J x B6.SJL-Ptprca Pepcb/BoyJ

Data generated by the core is kept on a secure server with access to core personnel only. Communication of data to clients will be done using the cancer center’s secure intranet.

Each lab's folder is password protected and accessed only by lab and core personnel. Data or information (verbal and/or electronic) are not shared with any outside parties.

If a resolution cannot be reached at the core director level, the issue will be taken to the core advisory committee for discussion and resolution.

If recovery of payment becomes an issue, the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center’s business managers will contact the customer and/or their department to collect charges owed. If there is a dispute in charges, the conflict resolution policy above will be followed.

Core studies or services will be prioritized based on IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center and/or IUSM membership followed by non members. Projects enter the core upon receipt of a study request form and approved animal study or amendment.

In the event that there is a backlog of studies, services will be prioritized based on IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center and/or IU School of Medicine membership followed by non-members. Priority will be given to users with peer-reviewed grant funding.

IVT Core fees

The Core is funded, in part, by grants and contracts of the investigators who utilize the facility. Due to the variety of in vivo models and drug regimens requested, the specific costs of a study will be calculated once the study design is finalized.

Weekend/after-hours/holiday rates will be two times the regular procedure rate, with minimum charge per trip ($201.33).
IUSCCC members receive discounted rates; contact Kristina Taylor at kristtay@iu.edu or 317-274-3893, for additional rate information.
External rates will be determined upon consultation.

Effective: July 1, 2026

Service	IU Internal Rate	External Rate
Tissue Culture Fees (labor & supplies)	$52.14	$70.39
Tissue Culture supply fees for all items above	$6.42	$8.67
Lentiviral Transduction of cell line	$45.72	$61.72
Methylene Blue assay for cell viability after drug treatment	$45.72	$61.72
Mycoplasma testing 1 cell line (required for in vivo studies)	$98.04	$132.36
Mycoplasma testing 2 cell lines (required for in vivo studies)	$118.38	$159.82
Mycoplasma testing 3 cell lines (required for in vivo studies)	$142.60	$192.51
Mycoplasma testing 4 cell lines (required for in vivo studies)	$166.82	$225.21
Mycoplasma testing 5 cell lines (required for in vivo studies)	$191.04	$257.91
Mycoplasma testing 6 cell lines (required for in vivo studies)	$215.26	$290.60
Mycoplasma testing 7 cell lines (required for in vivo studies)	$239.48	$323.30
Mycoplasma testing 8 cell lines (required for in vivo studies)	$263.70	$356.00
Experimantal Technique Training	$45.72	$61.72
Cost analysis / budget preparation	$45.72	$61.72
Draft & submit study amendments	$45.72	$61.72
Drug Formulation (15 min increments)	$45.72	$61.72
Randomization & rehousing of animals	$45.72	$61.72
Study tasks with staggered times (dosing, bleeding, etc)	$45.72	$61.72
Sample processing	$45.72	$61.72
Animal identification (not via tattoo)	$45.72	$61.72
Surgical staple removal	$45.72	$61.72
Clinical observations / BCS scoring	$45.72	$61.72
Travel time (across campus)	$45.72	$61.72
Surgical Procedures / Orthotopic Implant	$58.97	$79.62
Inhalation anesthesia fees (per hr- to cover O2, isoflurane)	$11.92	$16.09
NSG mice	$42.29	$57.09
NRG mice	$44.30	$59.80
Boy J mice	$52.18	$70.44
C57 / Boy J F1 mice	$59.10	$79.78
C57BL/6J mice	$31.97	$43.16
Biohazard mouse room per diems	$1.63	$2.20
Conventional mouse room per diems	$1.24	$1.67
Irradiation (animals or cells)	$45.72	$61.72
Irradiation "late" fee if >15 minutes late	$45.72	$61.72
Tattoo fees (animal identification)	$2.59	$3.49
Manual palpation (for tumors)	$1.42	$1.91
Caliper Tumors	$5.49	$7.41
IV, Intratumor injection	$7.14	$9.63
SQ injection	$4.27	$5.77
SQ injection of Meloxicam ER	$6.40	$8.65
SQ injection of Ethiqa XR	$14.53	$19.62
SQ injection of Carprofen	$4.32	$5.84
IP, IT, ID, IM injection, Oral dose	$2.86	$3.86
Body Weight	$1.42	$1.91
Survival or terminal bleed	$7.13	$9.63
Euthanize & dispose (only)	$1.42	$1.91
Euthanize + Gross necropsy	$14.28	$19.28
Euthanize + formalin fixation (1-3 tissues, NO cassettes)	$14.28	$19.28
Euthanize + formalin fixation (4-6 tissues, NO cassettes)	$14.99	$20.23
Euthanize + formalin fixation (7-9 tissues, NO cassettes)	$15.75	$21.26
Euthanize + formalin fixation (10+ tissues, NO cassettes)	$16.53	$22.32
Euthanize + formalin fixation (1-3 tissues in cassettes)	$26.55	$35.84
Euthanize + formalin fixation (4-6 tissues in cassettes)	$27.87	$37.62
Euthanize + formalin fixation (7-9 tissues in cassettes)	$29.27	$39.51
Euthanize + formalin fixation (10+ tissues in cassettes)	$30.73	$41.49
Cellularity & Progenitor Analysis (Mouse BM or spleen)	$75.93	$102.51
Hematopoietic Progenitor Analysis (Human UCB)	$53.52	$72.25
Weekend/After Hours minimum charge	$205.74	$277.75
Study Billing minimum charge	$91.44	$123.44
LAGO imaging/data analysis/training	$83.83	$113.17

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Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon
Comprehensive Cancer Center

In Vivo Therapeutics Core

Immunocompetent and immunodeficient breeding colonies

Pharmacological investigations

Cellular therapies

IVT policies and procedures

IVT Core fees

#ResearchCuresCancer

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In Vivo Therapeutics Core

Immunocompetent and immunodeficient breeding colonies

Pharmacological investigations

In vitro toxicity testing

In vivo dose range finding

In vivo tumor growth kinetics

In vivo drug efficacy/tumor xenograft model

Cellular therapies

IVT policies and procedures

Acknowledge, authorship, and collaboration

Distribution of mice for studies not implemented by core personnel

Confidentiality

Conflict resolution

Cost recovery/payment policy

Prioritization of work

IVT Core fees

#ResearchCuresCancer

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Additional links and resources