The University of Arizona’s Tucson campus offers a comprehensive suite of molecular and cellular research service units supporting basic, translational, and clinical investigation. Genomics and molecular services include high-throughput DNA extraction, sequencing, fragment analysis, and genotyping through the Arizona Genetics Core; CLIA/CAP-certified clinical diagnostics and research testing through the Arizona Molecular Clinical Core; and advanced genomic and microbiome sequencing (whole genome, whole exome, amplicon, metagenomics) through the PANDA Core. Functional genomics capabilities support compound and RNAi screening, assay development, and laboratory automation, while the CDDOM Quantitative Proteomics Laboratory provides label-free mass spectrometry for interactome mapping, post-translational modification analysis, and proteome profiling. Robust pathology and tissue-based services include histology, immunohistochemistry, digital pathology, organoid culture, and pathology consultation through the Comparative Pathology Core and TACMASR, along with animal health monitoring via University Animal Care Pathology Services. Advanced flow cytometry and immune monitoring resources support cell sorting, multispectral flow cytometry, metabolic analysis, and PBMC processing. Imaging infrastructure spans electron microscopy (TEM/SEM), optical and super-resolution microscopy, live-cell and multiphoton imaging, and cancer-focused microscopy services through the Microscopy Shared Resource. Preclinical and translational imaging is supported by the Translational Bioimaging Resource (MRI, ultrasound, CT, PET, SPECT, and bioluminescence), and in vivo modeling is strengthened by the Phenotyping Core, which offers surgical models, cardiovascular physiology, echocardiography, and functional assessments in small animal models.
On the Phoenix Biomedical Campus, the University of Arizona provides complementary molecular and imaging-focused resources to support biomedical and translational research. The Biological Irradiator and Imager Shared Equipment resource offers precision X-ray irradiation, image-guided radiotherapy research tools, luminescence imaging, dosimetry, and environmental control systems for preclinical studies. The Biomedical Imaging Core provides advanced microscopy capabilities, including epifluorescence, confocal, and two-photon imaging, along with sample preparation and post-acquisition analysis support. The Flow Cytometry Core delivers multi-parameter flow cytometry and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) services, including immunophenotyping, cell cycle and proliferation assays, apoptosis analysis, biomarker development, and custom panel design, with expertise extending from basic research applications to clinical assay development. Together, the Phoenix-based cores provide specialized instrumentation, technical expertise, and collaborative support for investigators across the Valley.
In Tucson, the University of Arizona provides robust behavioral and clinical research infrastructure to support studies across the translational spectrum. The Behavioral Measurement and Interventions Shared Resource (BMISR) brings more than 25 years of expertise in human lifestyle behavior research, supporting projects focused on diet, physical activity, tobacco use, sun exposure, and related cancer continuum outcomes. BMISR enhances study quality and efficiency through consultation, validated behavioral measurement tools, data collection and analysis support, intervention development, and training. Complementing this, the Clinical and Translational Sciences Research Center (CATS) is a dedicated clinical research facility providing comprehensive support for investigator-initiated, federally funded, and industry-sponsored trials. Services include early-stage protocol development consultation, nursing and nurse practitioner support, clinical research coordination (recruitment, consenting, sample collection), regulatory monitoring, laboratory services, diagnostic test scheduling, and research training. CATS offers dedicated outpatient adult and pediatric clinical units, exam rooms, infusion and phlebotomy suites, and experienced clinical research professionals to ensure high-quality and compliant study conduct.
In Phoenix, the Translational Research Office (TReO) Clinical Research Services provides centralized, end-to-end clinical trial support for investigators at the College of Medicine – Phoenix. TReO assists with feasibility assessments, study startup, regulatory submissions, and ongoing study management for federal, industry-sponsored, and investigator-initiated research. The team offers centralized clinical research coordinators, designated clinical research space at Banner University Medical Center – Phoenix, and operational oversight to ensure compliant and efficient study conduct. Additional services include REDCap project development for HIPAA-compliant data capture, biorepository and data repository support (collection, processing, transport, and storage), financial management of clinical trial revenues, and training and supervision of clinical research staff, students, and volunteers. Together, these services provide comprehensive infrastructure to advance high-quality clinical and translational research in Phoenix.