Overview

Swine are the optimal model species for investigation of a large number of human diseases and have made valuable contributions to almost every field of human medicine. Swine share anatomic and physiologic characteristics with humans that make them ideal models for research. In addition, the anatomy and physiology make pig organs likely candidates for xenotransplantation.

The National Swine Resource and Research Center (NSRRC) was established in 2003 to develop the infrastructure to ensure that biomedical investigators across a variety of disciplines have access to critically needed swine models of human health and disease. The NSRRC will also serve as a central resource for reagents, information and training related to use of swine models in biomedical research.

Functions of the NSRRC include:

Importation

• The NSRRC will import existing swine models of human health and disease

Rederivation

• Rederivation eliminates pathogens and improves the quality of the animal model for research projects

Health Monitoring

• The NSRRC will perform on-going health monitoring to assure maintenance of a pathogen-free status

Cryopreservation

• The NSRRC will cryopreserve and store gametes, embryos and somatic cells to prevent loss of valuable models

Distribution

• The Center will act as a repository and distribution center for high quality, pathogen-free pigs

Research

• Improved techniques for cryopreservation of pig reproductive cells and tissues
• Improved methods for the detection and elimination of microbial pathogens in pigs
• Development of improved methods for the production of transgenic and knockout pigs