Core & Research Services - Greehey Children's Cancer

Accelerating Discovery Through Advanced Research Services

The Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute (Greehey CCRI) at UT Health San Antonio provides specialized Core & Research Services that support investigators across the research continuum. From experimental design and data analysis to target identification, preclinical modeling, and therapeutic evaluation, GCCRI cores combine advanced technologies with scientific expertise to help researchers accelerate discoveries in pediatric cancer and other diseases.

Supporting Research From Discovery to Translation

Greehey CCRI Core & Research Services provides investigators with access to specialized platforms, expert consultation, and collaborative support designed to advance basic, translational, and clinical research. As one of only two institutes in the United States dedicated exclusively to pediatric cancer research, GCCRI supports UT Health San Antonio investigators, academic collaborators, biotechnology companies, and pharmaceutical partners with the resources and expertise needed to move discoveries from the laboratory toward impact.

—————————————

Partnering With Investigators Throughout the Research Process

Greehey CCRI Core & Research Services provides specialized expertise and advanced technologies to support investigators at every stage of discovery—from experimental design and data generation to analysis, validation, and preclinical evaluation. Whether developing a new research strategy, preparing a grant proposal, or advancing a promising discovery, our core teams work collaboratively with investigators to identify the right approach and maximize research impact.

To learn how a GCCRI core can support your research, please contact the appropriate core director or explore the individual core pages below.

Core Service Areas

Computational Biology
& Bioinformatics Initiative (CBBI)

The Computational Biology & Bioinformatics Initiative (CBBI) provides investigators with the computational tools, analytical strategies, and scientific guidance needed to design studies, analyze large-scale datasets, and uncover patterns that advance discovery. From genomic analysis and workflow development to statistical modeling and systems biology, CBBI partners with researchers to turn complex data into actionable knowledge.

illustration of a human figure overlaid with strands of DNA, binary code 0s and 1s

Genome Sequencing Facility (GSF)

Delivers next-generation sequencing (NGS), single-cell analysis, and spatial transcriptomics using advanced platforms, including Illumina NovaSeq 6000, NextSeq 2000, 10x Genomics Chromium X, Visium HD, and Xenium technologies. Services include experimental design consultation, library preparation, sequencing, quality control, and bioinformatics support. Applications include RNA-seq, DNA-seq, epigenomics, CRISPR screening, single-cell multiomics, and spatial biology.

Target Discovery Core (TDC)

Advancing new cancer therapies begins with identifying and validating the molecular drivers of disease. The Target Discovery Core (TDC) supports investigators throughout this process by providing expertise and technologies for target identification and validation, including CRISPR screening, gene editing, functional genomics, and drug testing platforms. By combining advanced technologies with scientific consultation, TDC helps researchers determine which genes and pathways are most likely to influence disease and translate promising discoveries into potential therapeutic strategies.

Xenograft & Cell-Lines (PDX)

Translating promising discoveries into effective cancer therapies requires rigorous testing in biologically relevant models. The Xenograft & Cell-Lines (PDX) Core provides preclinical evaluation of chemotherapeutics and combination therapies using validated mouse models and patient-derived xenograft systems to help investigators assess therapeutic response, refine treatment strategies, and advance promising approaches toward clinical translation. By combining specialized model systems with scientific expertise, the PDX Core supports researchers in evaluating therapeutic opportunities and accelerating translational cancer research.

Histology

Understanding disease biology often begins with visualizing what is happening within tissues. The Histology Core provides comprehensive tissue processing, sectioning, staining, and microscopic analysis support to help investigators characterize disease pathology, evaluate tissue changes, and measure biomarker expression. By combining technical expertise with scientific guidance, the Histology Core enables researchers to generate high-quality tissue data that supports discovery, validation, and translational research.

Mouse Radiation Treatment Center (MRTC)

Advancing radiation-based therapies requires the ability to accurately model treatment responses and evaluate how radiation interacts with emerging therapeutic approaches. The Mouse Radiation Treatment Center (MRTC) provides preclinical radiation research capabilities, including small-animal imaging, radiation treatment planning, and high-throughput evaluation of radiation-drug combination therapies. By combining specialized radiation platforms with advanced preclinical models and scientific expertise, MRTC enables investigators to study treatment responses, optimize therapeutic strategies, and accelerate the translation of promising cancer therapies.

Turning Research Questions Into Discoveries

Every research project begins with a question—and finding the right answers often requires specialized expertise, advanced technologies, and strategic guidance. The Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute (Greehey CCRI) at UT Health San Antonio provides Core & Research Services that help investigators move discoveries forward, from early scientific concepts to translational breakthroughs. As one of only two institutes in the United States dedicated exclusively to pediatric cancer research, GCCRI combines deep cancer research expertise with advanced technologies and collaborative support to help researchers overcome challenges and accelerate progress.

Supporting Discovery at Every Stage

Greehey CCRI Core & Research Services partner with investigators throughout the research journey—from designing experiments and analyzing complex data to identifying therapeutic opportunities, validating discoveries, and advancing preclinical studies. Our services support UT Health San Antonio investigators, academic collaborators, biotechnology companies, and pharmaceutical partners by providing the expertise and resources needed to answer important research questions and advance discoveries toward impact.

For more information, please contact each core director individually.