Animal Research Platform
Monash University Malaysia's Animal Research Platform provides a scaffold for animal research through the supply of high-quality laboratory animals and the provision of essential amenities such as ABSL-2, SPF, and Transgenic Fish Facilities. We also provide technical resources, contract research services using RG 2 category infectious agents, and animal procedural training. This platform establishes the highest standard of management processes ensuring high standards of welfare and well-being of the animals specified in the relevant Codes of Practice to support national and international biomedical research.
MUMARP staff are experienced in animal breeding and providing animals for biomedical research studies, training, and educational purposes. We provide facility access to users such as the ABSL-2, SPF, Transgenic Fish and Fish Facilities to conduct various types of research such as infectious, therapeutics, neuroscience, behavioural, and fundamental studies.
Our animal behaviour analysis systems are used for motor coordination, learning and memory, social interaction, addiction, circadian rhythm, depression, and anxiety. In addition, users are also able to access imaging equipment (in conjunction with MUM Optical Imaging Platform) such as the microinjection system for drug treatment and creation of transgenic animals, and fluorescence microscopy for drug screening and observing cell activities. MUMARP also organises seminars and technical workshops related to animal research to bring users together from a wide range of research, providing a forum for collegial interaction and collaboration.
Key instrumentation
- Class II Biosafety Cabinet
- Individually ventilated cages (IVC)
- Rodent and zebrafish behaviour systems
- CO2 and isoflurane anaesthesia chambers
- Rat metabolic cages
SPF Animal Facility
| Equipment | Model Identification | Short Description of Capabilities | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rodent behaviour system |
Rodent behaviour system can be used for several behaviour study in rodent models. Anxiety-like behaviour (Open field test, Light transition test), Depressive behaviour (Force swimming test), Circadian rhythm, Sleep disorder (activity sensor), Schizophrenia-like behaviour and Learning and memory (Object
placement test). The item consists: 1. Open field test (Lime light 2.7, Actimetrics Inc) 2. Forced swimming test (Macro Act 1.06, Neuroscience Inc) 3. Light-Dark transition test (MED-PC IV, Med Association Inc) 4. Prepulse inhibition test system (SR-LAB, San Diego Instruments) 5. Activity sensor system | 1 |
|
1. Stereotaxic Instrument (SRS-6 HT, Narishige Inc) 2. Micro drill | Stereotaxic surgery system can be used for microinjections into the target site of the brain or other tissue to deliver drugs, viral vectors or cell transplant. | 1 |
TG Fish Facility
| Equipment | Model Identification | Short Description of Capabilities | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Zebrafish behaviour system (SMART 3.0, Panlab, Harvard Apparatus) | This behaviour system can be used for phenotype characterization, as well as for studying the behavioral effects of pharmacological substances. | 1 |
 | EthoVision XT (Video tracking software, Noldus) | A complete system designed for high-throughput tracking of zebrafish larvae and other small organisms. | 1 |
| Zebrafish microinjection system (FemtoJet express (Eppendorf) |
A microinjection system is to inject small volume of solution. Microinjection is performed under a microscope with the aid of a micromanipulator which allows for small movement under high magnification. We can deliver substances such as vector, dye, protein and DNA/RNA into cells, eggs and tissues
with this system. It is useful to create transgenic animals. | 1 |
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Publications and Acknowledgements
Your use of the Monash Malaysia Research Infrastructure is heavily subsidised by the University. To comply with internal reporting obligations, the platform must report on the number and type of publications produced by users of the platform/ facility. It is essential that we have this information so that we can continue to provide the advanced instrumentation, staff, training and assistance that you and other researchers require to undertake your work.
It is a condition of use of platform that:
1. You acknowledge the platform and any significant assistance provided by the staff members in your publications;
2. Platform staff members who made a significant scholarly contribution should be co-authors on the publication, in accordance with Monash’s Research Authorship And Attribution Policy, see Research Authorship and Attribution Policy.
Please acknowledge MUMARP in your publications by including:
"The authors acknowledge the use of instruments and scientific and technical assistance at the Monash Malaysia Animal Research Platform (MUMARP)”.
Or,
if the work was carried out with help from MUMARP staff (but not enough to justify coauthorship):
"The authors acknowledge the use of instruments and scientific and technical assistance of Name of ARP Staff Member at the Monash Malaysia Animal Research Platform (MUMARP).”
Please always notify the relevant platform when acknowledgment is made.
Location
Building 3, Level 8,
School of Medicine and Health Sciences,
Monash University Malaysia