Minipigs are valuable models for medical research because of their anatomical, physiological and genetical similarities to humans. With the transgenic technologies offered by DAGMAR, it will be possible to create a range of new disease models for preclinical research in diagnosis and treatment of human diseases.

Genetically modified minipigs are created by genetic design in cell culture, somatic cell nuclear transfer and transfer to sow recipients. The technique consists of the following steps (see description here).

• Somatic cells are made transgenic with the gene of interest.
• The transgenic cells are made into transgenic embryos using the SCNT-technique (“cloning”).
• The transgenic, cloned embryos are transferred into surrogate mothers (sow recipients) to establish pregnancies.
• The transgenic, cloned piglets are born.

Transgene overexpression may also be accomplished by sperm-mediated gene transfer (see description here).

The complicated procedure of producing transgenic minipigs are performed in a tight collaboration between several research groups at Aarhus University and Copenhagen University.

Please see appropriate contact adresses under each subheading in the left column.

Contact and conditions

In all cases, where principal investigators of DAGMAR contribute to the production of genetically altered minipigs, 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.