The primary role of the Mouse Genetics Core Facility (MGCF) is to facilitate the use of mouse moleculargenetics at MSKCC for in vivo studies of gene functions germane to cancer. Relevant fields where mousemodels can be applied include cell growth and behavior, cellular differentiation, embryonic development,immunobiology, genome integrity, and malignant transformation. The Core consists of 3 groups: theTransgenic Mouse Group, the Colony Management Group, and the ES Cell Culture Group. Together theyprovide the following services: (1) Production of transgenic mice: transgene DNA purification, pronuclearinjection, genotyping of founder mice, and breeding of positive founders to provide G1 progeny. (2) GeneTargeting: electroporation of gene targeting vector into ES cells, selection and identification of clones, andcryopreservation of targeted ES cell clones. (3) Production of gene targeted mice: generation of chimericmice by blastocyst injection and identification of germline chimeras. (4) Long term storage of transgenic,gene targeted, congenic, and other mutant mouse strains by cryopreservation of sperm or embryos. (5)Rederivation by embryo transfer or IVF for strain importation and recovery. (6) Performance of specializedanimal surgical procedures and embryological techniques. (7) Provision of specialized mouse strains/linesfor investigators' research. (8) Provision of husbandry service to assist investigators in the maintenance oftransgenic, gene targeted, and mutant strains of mice. (9) Comprehensive management of transgenic, genetargeted, and mutant mouse colonies for investigators. (10) Genotyping of transgenic, gene targeted, andmutant mouse lines for users. (11) Assistance in all aspects of ES cell culture and ES cell establishmentfrom transgenic, gene targeted, and mutant mice. (12) Consultation & training in mouse genomemanipulation and mouse genetics.In the past several years, the promotion of translational research at the Center and the rapid advancement ofgenomic technologies, had led to a dramatic increase in the number of laboratories using mouse models intheir research. To meet these demands, the Core has implemented four new services, hired additionalpersonnel, and re-organized the staff so that transgenic and gene targeted mice can be efficiently produced.Furthermore, the Core now offers more comprehensive services to aid investigators not just in creating theanimal models of interest but also in maintaining, cross-breeding, and utilization of the lines as experimentalmodels.
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