UBC GnotoCore

About the Core

The UBC Gnotobiotic Core (UBC GnotoCore) is a state-of-the-art facility advancing gnotobiotic research in Canada. Operating within the Centre for Disease Modeling (CDM), the UBC GnotoCore offers specialized resources to support academic and industry-based researchers from UBC, affiliated sites, and external companies or institutes who want to study host-microbiota interactions. We provide comprehensive services including breeding, maintenance, and shipping of germ-free or gnotobiotic animals, along with specialized experimental procedures (e.g., oral gavage, injections, and sample collection). Our expert technical support staff are rigorous and adhere to strict ethical standards in every step of animal husbandry so we can meet your research needs.

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Our Mission

The UBC GnotoCore was established in 2024 to make gnotobiotic research more accessible to local colleagues by offering cost-effective, high-quality services that enable research teams to train, learn, and conduct experiments in compliance with animal care committee (ACC)-approved experimental procedures. We take pride in providing personalized, research-driven support that yields impactful scientific results. For more information or to inquire about our services, please contact us at gnotobiotic.core@ubc.ca.

About Gnotobiotics

The mammalian microbiota supports the development and function of multiple physiologic systems. Although the definition of a "healthy" intestinal ecosystem remains incompletely defined, mounting evidence indicates that perturbations to the microbiota are associated with several conditions, including autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disorders, neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration, and changed responses to infection, vaccination, tissue transplantation, and therapeutic interventions such as prescription drugs or biologics. Gnotobiotic animal models have played a pivotal role in our understanding of host-microbiota interactions and will continue to be essential in designing novel therapeutics and diagnostics to improve human health.

Definitions

Gnotobiotics are the gold standard for mechanistic studies of how the microbiota shape health and disease. By maintaining animals in completely germ-free conditions or introducing specific microbes with precision, researchers gain unparalleled insights into immunity, metabolism, and microbiome interactions with the animal host. Whether your research involves developing novel therapeutics, testing probiotics, or advancing personalized medicine, our facility provides the controlled conditions necessary for reliable, high-impact discoveries.

Services & Offerings

Our Services

UBC GnotoCore offers a wide range of gnotobiotic research services, including breeding and importing & exporting germ-free animals. We support clients with experimental consultation, perform specialized experimental procedures (e.g., oral gavage, injections, and sample collection), provide full-service experimental support from highly trained staff, as well as train users on gnotobiotic animal handling.

We are committed to making gnotobiotic research more accessible across all sectors, supporting investigators with flexible service options to meet diverse research needs.

For more information or to discuss how we can support your research, please contact us at gnotobiotic.core@ubc.ca.