Our 60-Year Research Advantage
For over 60 years the California National Primate Research Center (CNPRC) has conducted research that touches virtually every field of nonhuman primate biology and medicine with a particular focus on infectious diseases, neurobiological sciences, AIDS-related research, reproductive and regenerative sciences, cardiorespiratory diseases, nonhuman primate models for human diseases, and the psychological well-being needs of its colonies. The CNPRC participates in biomedical research activities that support the NIH initiative to accelerate the translation of basic discoveries into improved therapies and medical care. The diverse colony of monkeys housed at the CNPRC extends from early prenatal states to the aged, allowing for a vast range of studies that vary greatly in size, scope, and time frame.
Over 30 Years of Available Biobehavioral Data
Core scientists and research staff collaborate across units to study the effects of aging, specific health conditions, and biobehavioral factors on an individual monkey. This convergence promotes a multi-system approach that gleans as much information as possible from each animal for maximal impacts on human and animal health.
Biobehavioral data have been collected on many animals born at the CNPRC for over three decades allowing for nine generations of known pedigree within the colony. This data provides a valuable foundation for each study performed at the CNPRC and contributes tremendously to research outcomes. Research activities conducted at the CNPRC contribute to the understanding of the underpinnings of chronic disease from the earliest developmental stages through maturation and aging, using new biomarkers and novel in vivo imaging tools. The age range and known pedigree of the CNPRC colony, combined with the expertise of our research units, provide the CNPRC an unparalleled advantage in studying health across the lifespan.
Specific Pathogen-Free Primates
Since 1987, the CNPRC has been establishing specific pathogen-free (SPF) monkey colonies with additional support from the National Institutes of Health. The goal of this breeding program is to improve both the overall nonhuman primate colony health and the quality of science conducted by eliminating persistent viral infections representing potential confounding variables. The CNPRC SPF colony also increases personnel safety for animal care staff by reducing health risks associated with potential exposure to nonhuman primate pathogens.
NIH-NIA Supported Aged Rhesus Macaque Colony
The National Institute on Aging (NIA), a division of the National Institutes of Health, supports research on aging rhesus monkeys at the CNPRC. The CNPRC NIA Colony of geriatric rhesus macaques (≥19 years) is managed and supported for use by investigators in aging research. The NIA Colony and all geriatric monkeys at the CNPRC participate in semi-annual assessments by the veterinary staff (e.g., physical examination, clinical pathology) to ensure overall health and to monitor for potential age-related complications.
This program aims to:
- Support and maintain NIA rhesus monkeys for investigators nationwide who are conducting aging-related research. The goal is to proactively manage the NIA Colony to maximize the number of healthy geriatric rhesus monkeys for aging research. The Primate Services staff work closely together with investigators to support translational rhesus monkey models of human aging.
- Provide expertise and services at the highest quality level for investigators at the local, regional, and national levels. Through established protocols, guidelines, and expertise investigators are provided sufficient healthy, well-characterized aged animals and correlative services and infrastructure to support aging and lifespan health research objectives.