The production of genetically modified mice represents a major breakthrough with ramifications in basically all areas of biomedical research. It opens up the possibility for studying the function of genes by gain of function experiments, loss of function mutations as well as for creating 'genetically precise' animal models of human diseases. The latter has turned into a powerful tool for the investigation of human diseases and the development of potential therapies, including gene therapy. The methods for the production of genetically altered mice are quite complex. Each single step needs a high level of logistic support which cannot be easily attained by potential 'one time' users. DAGMAR supports scientists from academia and industry to design and perform these experiments in a successful way. All state of the art technologies of molecular mouse genetics are performed. These techniques include production of transgenic mice, chimeric mice, as well as targeted mutagenesis by homologous recombination ("knock out" and "knock in" mice). Services offered • Advice in construct design and experimental set up. • Pro-nucleus injection. • ES cell injection into blastosyst stage embryos. • Aggregation chimeras. • Culture, transfection and selection of ES cells. • Derivation of ES cells from mutant mice. • Cryoconservation of mouse lines (2 cell stage). • Rederivation of frozen mouse lines (e.g. fra EMMA). • Sanitation of mouse lines by embryo transfere.
Contact and conditions
In all cases, where principal investigators of DAGMAR contribute to the production of genetically altered mice, we consider this a scientific collaboration at least for the first paper published on these animals. In all cases the users will be charged for all or part of the direct cost of consumables, animal housing and technical assistance. Questions and requests about service should be send to Ernst-Martin Füchtbauer Email: emf@mbg.au.dk |