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UAB Institutional Research Core Program Office of Research

UAB Institutional Research Core Program

Frequently Asked Questions

  • 1. What do I need to do to have a transgenic or knockout mouse made?

    You must have a current approved protocol (APN) with the UAB IACUC before the start of your project.

    Please fill in and submit the Project Request Form and provide your protocol and account numbers.

    You will need to prepare a concentrated sample of your DNA construct, and provide a sequence file. (.fasta, .gb, or .dna).

    In the case of ES cell injection, you will need to submit a frozen vial of cells for the Transgenic Core to thaw as the injection schedule permits. We have a system set up for direct shipment of ES cells to our facility from KOMP, EUCOMM, or NORCOMM.

    Note: Place your order as soon as possible since there is a considerable backlog before cells will be processed by the repository and can be sent out.

    Please notify the facility when you expect to deliver the ES cells or the DNA construct so that someone is available to meet you.

  • 2. How much will it cost?

    Current prices for UAB investigators are displayed on the Services and Fees page of the website. These prices are subject to change. External investigators can This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for pricing information. 

  • 3. How should I prepare my DNA construct?

    Please provide a concentrated prep of your plasmid to the Core along with sequence files (.fasta, .gb, or .dna). We will perform QC and prepare DNA for injections.

  • 4. How can I follow the progress of my project?

    Please send an This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will respond within 2 working days.

  • 5. How many genetically modified or chimeric mice will I get?

    The facility provides a “best effort” guarantee of:

    • 150 embryos microinjected for transgenic or CRISPR projects. 
    • 40 blastocysts microinjected for ES cell injection projects.  
  • 6. How can I be sure my ES cell line will go germline?

    You cannot, however you can increase your chances by having your ES cells karyotyped before they are used by the facility, or by submitting 1 or 2 extra clones for microinjection. Generally only 60- 70% of clones contribute to the germline, therefore the use of multiple clones are recommended.

  • 7. Does the core provide services to customers outside UAB?

    Yes. For external customers the contract for services clarifies that the Core is providing fee-for-service only, and all materials remain the property of the customer's institution.

  • 8. What is the policy of the core for importing or exporting cryopreserved samples?

    The policy of the Core is that the samples belong solely to the investigator, and the Core will store cryopreserved samples and/or re- animate the samples into live animals. However, any animal model or derivatives from that model created at UAB are the real property of UAB, and we cannot ship the samples (mice and/or cryopreserved sperm or embryos) without having been given authorization that is granted via a Material Transfer Agreement (MTA).