The institutional Mouse Genetics and Gene Targeting (MGGT) CoRE has been established to provide the Mount Sinai research community with access to state-of-the-art facilities for the production of transgenic and gene targeted mice, as well as related rodent embryology techniques, on a fee-for-service basis.
The MGGT CoRE 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 uses CRISPR technology to do genome editing in vivo to create various gene-targeted mouse models, such as knock-outs or knock-ins. The facility can also assist laboratories with the production of targeted mutant lines of mice through the use of mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells. Targeted clones are used to create novel lines of mice by injection of ES cells into blastocysts to create chimeric mice which are mated with wild-type mice to establish germline transmission of the targeted gene.
In addition to the creation of novel transgenic and targeted mutant lines, the MGGT CoRE 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 CoRE 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 CoRE is also available to assist investigators with other rodent surgical techniques, such as vasectomies, ovariectomies, ovary transplants, etc.