Shriners Research Center, Portland OR

In 1922, the Shriners of North America decided to provide medical and surgical care for orthopaedically challenged children. In the 70’s, the organization expanded it’s role and sponsored research in pediatric orthopaedics, and later in the treatment of burns. Clinical research was supported on a small scale, and basic research to a much greater extent. Dedicated orthopaedic "Basic Research Units" were built on medical school campuses, and interactions with basic science departments were encouraged.

There are currently seven investigators in the Portland Research Center. Each investigator has a faculty appointment in a basic science department at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and participates actively in departmental and school-wide programs, such as teaching, graduate education and postdoc training.

Currently, two appointments are in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, three in Molecular and Medical Genetics, and two in Cell and Developmental Biology. At present, we have four graduate students conducting thesis work in the Unit. We rely on OHSU for compliance matters, such as human subjects and animal care issues, as well as the administration of federal funding, such as NIH grants.

Historically, the Portland Research Center was built as a multidisciplinary unit with a focus on structural biochemistry of connective tissue matrices. Over the last several years this orientation has shifted toward biologic function of matrix proteins, and a developmental orientation focused on the skeleton.

In 1997, the Shrine supported the Portland Research Center through the construction of new, customized, laboratory space within the hospital (completed in 1998) and represents approximately 50% more usable laboratory space. Extensive effort went into planning the new floor to better utilize both personnel and mechanical resources by centralizing key areas, which has resulted in an extremely functional design. For example, the open-air laboratories allow for better sharing of general equipment between separate research areas, thus maximizing efficiency in the work environment.

Research laboratories are divided into specialized areas equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and instrumentation. Approximately 15,000 usable square feet are devoted to activities in medical genetics, protein sequencing, immunology, biochemistry of collagen, biophysics, and molecular biology. The center also maintains a central shared laboratory area, an Analytical Core Facility, Imaging Center, and a Computer Facility.

The reputation of OHSU as a prestigious medical facility, has resulted in a number of ventures that serve to strengthen the Portland Research Center’s ability to offer state-of-the-art medicine and research. The stimulating academic environment of the OHSU’s many entities, such as the Vollum Institute of Research, provides for development of new diagnostic and treatment techniques, often resulting in national and international significance.

The same faculty who conduct pioneering research share expertise regularly through a broad continuing education program. Scientists at the Portland Research Center conduct their studies in state-of-the-art laboratories. Although autonomous in their areas of specialization, the two institutions share a common approach. Each consists of multiple research units whose staff includes scientists, postdoctoral researchers, students, and research associates. This structure is designed to accommodate small groups who work closely with one another and benefit from collegial interactions with other research groups.