Zebrafish (Aquatic) Core

Overview of Services

The Zebrafish Core of The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute is located on the 11th floor of the Abramson Research Building and is a fee-for-service facility available to all members of the research community of The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and The University of Pennsylvania.  The Zebrafish Core (ZFC) is directed by Christoph Seiler, PhD (Co-Investigator) and has two full-time research technicians who assist with animal husbandry and experimental methods.  Their mission is to offer investigators all necessary resources to perform zebrafish experiments themselves and also to provide expertise to perform experimental analyses to answer scientific questions for researchers.  The ZFC focus on disease modeling, especially on verification of newly identified genetic variants, analysis of disease phenotypes, and drug testing.  The ZFC is set up to perform genome-editing using CRISPR/Cas9 techniques, to create transgenic larvae that express fluorophores or modified genes and to knock-down mRNA message using morpholino oligonucleotides.  The core has its own fully equipped lab to conduct experiments such as drug treatments, genotyping, molecular analysis, perform whole-mount in-situ hybridization, antibody staining and histological thin-sectioning. 4 micro-injection stations are available for injecting pharmacologic agents, dyes, and agents needed for RNA knock-down and genome editing in freshly fertilized eggs.  A state-of-the-art fluorescent microscope and dissecting scope allow imaging, time-lapse analysis, and deconvolution of images. The Core also has access to a Zeiss LSM710 confocal and 2-photon microscope with motorized stage and incubating chamber that is located on the 6th floor of the Colket Translational Research Building (connected to Abramson Research Building by an indoor bridge) to permit long time-lapse studies and advanced image analysis.  The ZFC also provides husbandry services. A 576 tank fish facility offers sufficient space for several labs and has the option to be expanded to 1080 tanks if the need arises. The water system is equipped with a fluidize bed biofilter and is fully automated to provide very stable water conditions and an alarm system that minimizes accidental risks to the animals.  

Leadership & Staff

Christoph Seiler, Ph.D. | Director Zebrafish Core
215 590 4417
seilerc@email.chop.edu

Adele Donahue | Lab Technician
donahuea2@email.chop.edu

Laura Mattia | Zebrafish Technician
mattial@email.chop.edu

Location and hours of operation

Links and Resources

Contacts