Description of Services

Located in the Kaul Building, TMF services include the production of mouse models using gene targeting and DNA and ES cell injection methods. We primarily use fertilized oocytes from C57BL/6 ("pure" B6) mice and B6XSJL (hybrid) strains, and 129 or B6 (black and albino) ES cells. Other strains are available upon request.

Additional services

Cryopreservation of embryos and sperm, embryo rederivation to produce pathogen-free mice, and assisted reproduction techniques (in vitro fertilization [IVF], superovulation, and embryo transfer).

Coming Soon

Genotyping services (Isolation of tail DNA & PCR reaction), ES cell reagents (ES cell "complete" Media-500 ml, MEF feeder cells...5x10E6/vial, inactivated)

New Techniques

Perhaps the greatest resource currently available to researchers for the creation of "knockout" mouse models is the generation of libraries of random "genetrap" ES cell clones. Gene trapping is a cost effective method for producing ES cells harboring insertional mutations, most often into introns, which typically leads to a null allele of the "trapped" gene (see Figure 1). An additional advantage of gene trap vectors is that they incorporate the use of selectable reporter genes (e.g. lacZ gene), which aid in characterizing the tissue-specific expression of the trapped gene. The International GeneTrap Consortium (IGTC) maintains an updated database (www.genetrap.org) of available ES cell clones that can be identified through both BLAST sequence searches and keyword queries. For additional information or assistance in identifying a genetrap ES cell clone, please contact Dr. Kesterson (or e-mail him your gene of interest).


Figure 1. Diagram of genetrap process. Integration of a gene trap vector into an intron of a gene leads to the splice acceptor (SA) being utilized instead of the normal downstream exon. Therefore, the newly created targeted allele produces a lacZ fusion gene (which can be used to map expression of the gene), and most often a "null" allele due to disrupted downstream sequences. Shown at right are E14.5 day embryos heterozygous for a genetrap G2E3 gene allele (note: homozygous are embryonic lethal).