These centers create critical, often unique technology and methods at the forefront of their respective fields and apply them to a broad range of basic, translational and clinical research. This occurs through a synergistic interaction of technical and biomedical expertise, both within the centers and in intensive collaborations with other leading laboratories.
The centers serve a unique purpose in the broad context of NIH-funded research. They represent a critical mass of technological and intellectual capacity with a strong focus on service and training for outside investigators, as well as providing access to and dissemination of technologies, methods and software. Their goal is to promote the widespread and routine application of the cutting-edge technologies they develop across the full spectrum from bench to bedside.
Imaging Technology Centers
Computing and Informatics Technology Centers
Optical and Laser Technology Centers
Structural Biology Technology Centers
Systems Biology Technology Centers
Imaging Technology Centers
These centers develop advanced imaging and associated analytical and computational technologies for the anatomic and functional analysis of organelles, cells and tissues. The technologies include a complementary variety of microscopies using electrons or X-rays as the source for tomography and correlative approaches. Mass spectrometry imaging is available to visualize the spatial distribution of compounds, biomarkers, metabolites, peptides or proteins by their molecular masses. Sample preparation is an important component of each of these centers.
The Boulder Laboratory for 3-D Electron Microscopy of Cells 
University of Colorado, Boulder
Principal Investigator: Andreas Hoenger, Ph.D.
The Boulder Laboratory for 3-D Electron Microscopy of Cells images diverse cells and tissues in three dimensions at a resolution of ~ 5 nm. While fully exploiting the achievements of tomography on samples prepared by rapid freezing (vitrification) and freeze-substitution fixation (RF-FSF), as carried out in several collaborations and numerous service projects, the center also focuses on cryo-electron microscopy and molecular structures.
National Center for Microscopy and Imaging Research
University of California, San Diego
Principal Investigator: Mark H. Ellisman, Ph.D.
The National Center for Microscopy and Imaging Research develops computer-aided, advanced microscopy for the acquisition of structural and functional data in the dimensional range of 1 nm to 100 um, a range encompassing macromolecules, subcellular structures and cells. Novel specimen-staining methods, imaging instruments—including intermediate high-voltage transmission electron microscopes (IVEMs) and high-speed, large-format laser-scanning light microscopes—and computational capabilities are available for addressing "mesoscale" biological microscopy of proteins and macromolecular complexes in their cellular and tissue environments.
National Center for X-ray Tomography
Advanced Light Source, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Principal Investigator: Carolyn A. Larabell, Ph.D., University of California, San Francisco
The National Center for X-ray Tomography develops novel cellular imaging technologies, specifically soft X-ray tomography, for visualizing and quantifying the internal structure of whole, hydrated cells, and high-numerical aperture fluorescence microscopy for locating the position of specific cellular molecules. Data from these two imaging modalities can be combined to form a single, correlated imaging view of a cell.
National Research Resource for Imaging Mass Spectrometry
Vanderbilt University
Principal Investigator: Richard M. Caprioli, Ph.D.
The resource develops technical innovations that include next-generation hardware, software and methods, and promotes the adoption of these technologies by a larger community of scientists and clinicians.
Computing and Informatics Technology Centers
These centers develop advanced methods and technologies for biomedical computing and informatics. This includes high-performance computing systems as well as software for complex data visualization and analysis, simulation and modeling of biological systems. The centers make their computing infrastructure and software freely available.
Center for Integrative Biomedical Computing
University of Utah
Principal Investigator: Christopher R. Johnson, Ph.D.
The Center for Integrative Biomedical Computing produces open-source software tools for biomedical image-based modeling, biomedical simulation and estimation, and the visualization of biomedical data.
National Biomedical Computation Resource
University of California, San Diego
Principal Investigator: Peter W. Arzberger, Ph.D.
The National Biomedical Computation Resource conducts, catalyzes and enables multiscale biomedical research, focusing on four key activities: 1) integrating computational, data and visualization resources in a transparent, advanced grid environment to enable better access to distributed data, computational resources, instruments and people; 2) developing and deploying advanced computational tools for modeling and simulation, data analysis, query and integration, three-dimensional image processing and interactive visualization; 3) delivering and supporting advanced grid/cyberinfrastructure for biomedical researchers; and 4) training a cadre of new researchers to have an interdisciplinary, working knowledge of computational technology relevant to biomedical scientists.
National Resource for Cell Analysis and Modeling
University of Connecticut Health Center
Principal Investigator: Leslie M. Loew, Ph.D.
The National Resource for Cell Analysis and Modeling develops new technologies for modeling cell biological processes. The technologies are integrated through Virtual Cell, a problem-solving environment built on a central database and disseminated as a Web application for the analysis, modeling and simulation of cell biological processes.
National Resource for Network Biology
University of California, San Diego
Principal Investigator: Trey Ideker, Ph.D.
The National Resource for Network Biology develops new algorithms, visualizations and conceptual frameworks to study biological networks at multiple levels and scales, from protein-protein and genetic interactions to cell-cell communication and vast social networks. NRNB technologies enable researchers to assemble models of networks and pathways and to use these networks to better understand how biological systems operate and how they fail in disease.
Resource for Biocomputing, Visualization, and Informatics
University of California, San Francisco
Principal Investigator: Thomas E. Ferrin, Ph.D.
The Resource for Biocomputing, Visualization, and Informatics develops software and Web-based resources for the visualization and analysis of molecular structures and related data. The center creates tools for handling and integrating diverse types of biomolecular data, including atomic-resolution structures, density maps, sequence alignments, annotations and networks, with an emphasis on interactive visualization.
Resource for Macromolecular Modeling and Bioinformatics
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Principal Investigator: Klaus J. Schulten, Ph.D.
This center's research and development activities focus on the structure and function of supramolecular systems in the living cell as well as on the development of new algorithms and efficient computing tools for physical biology. Software tools available to the scientific user community include nanoscale molecular dynamics (NAMD), a molecular dynamics simulation program used for classic, atomistic molecular dynamics simulations of large biomolecular aggregates; visual molecular dynamics (VMD), a molecular visualization program for displaying, animating and analyzing both large and small biomolecular systems using three-dimensional graphics and built-in scripting; molecular dynamics flexible fitting (MDFF), a method used to flexibly fit atomic structures into density maps; and BioCoRE, a Web-based, tool-oriented collaboratory for biomedical research and training.
Optical and Laser Technology Centers
These centers develop of advanced optical and laser technologies to probe the structure and dynamics of biological samples ranging in complexity from single molecules to cells. The centers apply innovative technologies to elucidate fundamental biological mechanisms such as ultrafast molecular motions and dynamic cellular processes.
Laboratory for Fluorescence Dynamics
University of California, Irvine
Principal Investigator: Enrico Gratton, Ph.D.
The Laboratory for Fluorescence Dynamics develops novel fluorescence technologies, including instrumentation, methods and software. These are applicable to cellular imaging and the elucidation of dynamic processes in cells.
Ultrafast Optical Processes Laboratory
University of Pennsylvania
Principal Investigator: Robin M. Hochstrasser, Ph.D.
The Ultrafast Optical Processes Laboratory develops time-resolved laser technologies and instrumentation, with a focus on 2-D IR spectroscopy. The technologies enable atomic-level measurements of the fastest steps in biological processes to elucidate structure and dynamics in biological macromolecules, assemblies and cells.
Structural Biology Technology Centers
These centers develop technologies including spectroscopic techniques, synchrotron radiation and macromolecular microscopy for studying the structures of biomolecules predominantly ranging in size from peptides to very large macromolecular complexes. Spectroscopic techniques include nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), electron spin resonance (ESR) and optical spectroscopy. Synchrotron techniques include crystallography, small- or wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS), absorption spectroscopy (XAS, XANES) and fluorescence probe microscopy. Microscopy techniques include single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET). Detection, data analysis and automation are important components of most of these centers.
BioCARS: A Synchrotron Structural Biology Resource
Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory
Principal Investigator: J. Keith Moffat, Ph.D., University of Chicago
BioCARS is a state-of-the art, national user facility for synchrotron-based studies of dynamic and static properties of macromolecules by X-ray scattering techniques such as crystallography (specializing in time-resolved), small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering and fiber diffraction. BioCARS operates two X-ray beamlines, embedded in a Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) facility unique in the U.S. that permits safe studies of biohazardous materials such as human pathogens.
The Biophysics Collaborative Access Team (BioCAT)
Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory
Principal Investigator: Thomas C. Irving, Ph.D., Illinois Institute of Technology
The Biophysics Collaborative Access Team (BioCAT) has constructed and now operates facilities at Argonne National Laboratory’s Advanced Photon Source as a national research resource for the study of the structure of partially ordered biological molecules, complexes of biomolecules and cellular structures under conditions similar to those present in living cells and tissues. The goal of research at BioCAT is to determine the detailed structure and mechanism of action of biological systems at the molecular level. The techniques used are X-ray fiber diffraction, X-ray solution scattering and X-ray micro-emission and micro-absorption spectroscopy, with an emphasis on time-resolved studies and the development of novel techniques.
Macromolecular Crystallography Research Resource at the National Synchrotron Light Source
Brookhaven National Laboratory
Principal Investigator: Robert M. Sweet, Ph.D.
The Macromolecular Crystallography Research Resource provides facilities and support at the National Synchrotron Light Source. With a staff of about 18 and operating six beamlines, the center innovates new access modes such as mail-in crystallography, builds new facilities, advances automation, develops remote participation software, collaborates with outside groups, teaches novice users and supports visiting investigators with 7-day, 20-hour staff coverage.
Macromolecular Diffraction Facility at the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (MacCHESS)
Cornell University
Principal Investigator: Richard A. Cerione, Ph.D.
This resource operates three insertion-device beamlines (stations A-1, F-1 and F-2) devoted to macromolecular crystallography. The resource also supports additional bending magnet stations for part-time macromolecular X-ray experiments. The resource specializes in large unit-cell diffraction, ultra-high-resolution diffraction, multiple-wavelength anomalous dispersion (MAD) phasing, rapid-throughput crystallography (structure-based drug design and structural genomics), microdiffraction, high-pressure cryo-cooling, multiple-beam diffraction and software development.
National Biomedical Center for Advanced ESR Technology
Cornell University
Principal Investigator: Jack H. Freed, Ph.D.
The National Biomedical Center for Advanced ESR Technology develops methods, both experimental and theoretical, of modern electron spin resonance (ESR) for biomedical applications. Center technologies are applicable to the determination of the structure and complex dynamics of proteins.
National Center for Macromolecular Imaging
Baylor College of Medicine
Principal Investigator: Wah Chiu, Ph.D.
The National Center for Macromolecular Imaging is focused on extending the resolution, speed and flexibility of cryo-electron microscopy for the three-dimensional structure determination of biological macromolecular assemblies. Cryo-electron microscopy can visualize molecules under near-native conditions at resolutions ranging from 0.3 to 5 nm and can yield images of individual molecules in a range of different conformations as they exist in solution. Other cryo-electron mycroscopy techniques, such as cryo-electron tomography, are being developed to capture molecular structures in situ.
National Magnetic Resonance Facility at Madison
University of Wisconsin
Principal Investigator: John L. Markley, Ph.D.
The National Magnetic Resonance Facility at Madison develops NMR technologies for the high-throughput determination of the structures of small proteins and RNA; for elucidating the structure and dynamics of challenging systems such as complexes, membrane proteins and paramagnetic proteins; and for metabolomics and natural product analysis.
National Resource for Automated Molecular Microscopy
The Scripps Research Institute
Principal Investigator: Bridget O. Carragher, Ph.D.
The overall mission of the National Resource for Automated Molecular Microscopy is to develop, test and apply technology aimed toward completely automating the processes involved in solving macromolecular structures using cryo-electron microscopy. The goal is to establish a resource that will serve both as a center for high-throughput molecular microscopy as well as for transferring this technique to the research community.
Northeastern Collaborative Access Team Undulator Resource for Structural Biology
Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory
Principal Investigator: Steven E. Ealick, Ph.D., Cornell University
The Undulator Resource for Structural Biology is a facility for macromolecular crystallography at Sector 24 of the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory. The macromolecules studied by resource users often involve large unit cells, small crystals, weakly diffracting crystals and crystals with weak anomalous scattering. Technological research includes use of silicon monochromators, focusing optics, methods of phase determination, radiation damage, X-ray detectors, automated sample mounting, microdiffraction and crystallographic software.
Synchrotron Radiation Structural Biology Resource
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory
Principal Investigator: Keith O. Hodgson, Ph.D., Stanford University
The Structural Biology Resource at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL) operates as a integrated center with three primary areas (or cores) of technological research and development and scientific focus: macromolecular crystallography (MC) , X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and small-angle X-ray scattering/diffraction (SAXS) . Central to the core technological developments in all three areas is the development and utilization of improved detectors and instrumentation, especially to be able to take maximum advantage of the high brightness of SSRL’s third-generation synchrotron X-ray storage ring (SPEAR3). A primary focus is the use of enhanced computing and data management tools to provide more "user-friendly, real-time and on-line" instrumentation control, including full remote access for crystallography, data reduction and analysis.
Systems Biology Technology Centers
These centers support the continued development of advanced biomedical, analytical and computational technologies capable of high throughput and applicable to complex samples and their integration into comprehensive interdisciplinary approaches to various aspects of systems biology. These centers often include multiple technologies, including the areas of mass spectrometry, proteomics, glycomics and glycotechnology, lipidomics and metabolomics, NMR, quantitative transcriptomics, protein expression, flow cytometry and informatics.
Glycomics and glycotechnology centers focus on the unique analytical challenges of carbohydrates and glycoconjugates, creating integrated technologies for glycomics, expression of glycosylation-related enzymes, synthesis of oligosaccharides, elucidation of carbohydrate-protein interactions and informatics tools compatible with proteomics.
Center for Computational Mass Spectrometry
University of California, San Diego
Principal Investigator: Pavel A. Pevzner, Ph.D.
This center focuses on the computational bottlenecks that impair the interpretation of data, bringing modern algorithmic approaches to mass spectrometry and building a new generation of reliable, open-access software tools to support both new mass spectrometry instrumentation and emerging applications.
Integrated Technology Resource for Biomedical Glycomics
Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia
Principal Investigator: J. Michael Pierce, Ph.D.
This center develops and implements new technologies to investigate the glycome of cells, including glycoproteomics and glycoconjugate analysis, transcript analysis and bioinformatics.
Mass Spectrometry Resource for Biology and Medicine
Boston University School of Medicine
Principal Investigator: Catherine E. Costello, Ph.D.
This resource's mission is to conduct high-sensitivity structural determinations and analyses of biological compounds via mass spectrometry. The emphasis is on glycoconjugates, oligosaccharides and proteins.
National Bio-Organic Biomedical Mass Spectrometry Resource Center
University of California, San Francisco
Principal Investigator: Alma L. Burlingame, Ph.D.
This facility provides high-performance tandem mass spectrometry and proteomics, including multiplexed quantitative comparative analysis of protein and post-translational modifications, and a leading suite of tools for the analysis of mass spectrometry proteomics data.
National Resource for Biomedical Accelerator Mass Spectrometry
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Principal Investigator: Kenneth W. Turteltaub, Ph.D.
This resource develops and refines accelerator mass spectrometry methods and instrumentation for the precise, quantitative and cost-effective measurement of the effects of drugs and toxicants on humans at safe doses. It facilitates the use of accelerator mass spectrometry in biomedical research and provides training and access for researchers.
National Resource for the Mass Spectrometric Analysis of Biological Macromolecules
The Rockefeller University
Principal Investigator: Brian T. Chait, Ph.D.
This resource develops cutting-edge mass spectrometric tools for analyzing peptides and proteins. It makes its software tools developed for data analysis freely available.
Proteomics Research Resource for Integrative Biology
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Principal Investigator: Richard D. Smith, Ph.D.
This center develops and integrates new proteomic technologies for collaborative and service studies, disseminating the new technologies and training scientists in their use.
Resource for Integrated Glycotechnology
Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia
Principal Investigator: James H. Prestegard, Ph.D.
This center develops technologies to increase understanding of the molecular basis of protein-carbohydrate interactions in disease. The resource combines complimentary technologies: synthetic chemistry, nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectrometry, computational biology, protein expression and cell-based assays.
Washington University Mass Spectrometry Resource
Washington University in St. Louis
Principal Investigator: Michael L. Gross, Ph.D.
This center develops mass spectrometry-based tools for the study of proteins, lipids and metaboilites. These include biomarker identification, stable isotope mass spectrometry and the analysis of intact proteins.
Yeast Resource Center
University of Washington
Principal Investigator: Trisha N. Davis, Ph.D.
This center exploits the budding yeast S. cerevisiae to develop novel technologies for investigating and characterizing protein function and protein structure. The center offers access to technologies in the areas of mass spectrometry, protein structure prediction, fluorescence microscopy and computational biology.
For additional information on NIGMS biomedical technology research centers, contact:
Amy L. Swain, Ph.D.
Acting Director, Biomedical Technology Branch
Division of Biomedical Technology, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
National Institute of General Medical Sciences
National Institutes of Health
45 Center Drive MSC 6200
Bethesda, MD 20892-6200
Tel: 301-451-6446
Douglas Sheeley, Sc.D.
Program Director, Biomedical Technology Branch
Division of Biomedical Technology, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
National Institute of General Medical Sciences
National Institutes of Health
45 Center Drive MSC 6200
Bethesda, MD 20892-6200
Tel: 301-451-6446