Mouse Genetics and Gene Targeting Shared Resource Facility

The institutional Mouse Genetics and Gene Targeting Shared Resource Facility (MGGT SRF) has been established to provide the Mount Sinai research community with access to state-of-the-art facilities for the production of transgenic and knockout mice, as well as related rodent embryology techniques, on a fee-for-service basis. The MGGT SRF can produce transgenic mice by injection of DNA fragments of varying length (including bacterial artificial chromosomes) into pronuclear stage single-cell mouse embryos. The facility can also assist laboratories with the production of targeted mutant lines of mice through the use of mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells. The facility is fully equipped and staffed to create novel gene-targeted ES lines using targeting vectors provided by investigators. This service includes the electroporation of targeting vectors into ES cells, clone selection and isolation, DNA preparation, and expansion and karyotyping of identified targeted clones. Targeted clones, whether produced by the SRF or provided by investigators, are used to create novel lines of mice by injection of ES cells into blastocysts to create chimeric mice. The chimeras are then mated with wild-type mice to establish germline transmission of the targeted gene.

In addition to the creation of novel transgenic and targeted mutation lines, the MGGT SRF can assist laboratories with the maintenance of existing lines through the cryopreservation of sperm. Cryopreservation of mouse sperm allows investigators to successfully bank lines that are not in active use. Shipment of cryopreserved sperm can also serve as an alternative method for transferring lines to collaborators at other institutions. Through collaboration with the Center for Comparative Medicine and Surgery (CCMS), the MGGT SRF also provides investigators with the means to import novel lines from other institutions by recovering mice from cryopreserved embryos or sperm, live embryos, or through the use of IVF rederivation of individual males that are shipped to Mount Sinai. This service is an excellent alternative to the importation of rodents via live animal quarantine. The staff of the MGGT SRF is also available to assist investigators with other rodent surgical techniques, such as vasectomies, ovariectomies, ovary transplants, etc.

Please Remember – For funding purposes, it is important to acknowledge the Mouse Genetics Shared Resource Facility in all publications that include data derived from the facility.