The Northwestern University Transgenic and Targeted Mutagenesis (TTML) is a shared resource designed toproduce genetically engineered mice for research projects of investigators of the Robert H Lurie ComprehensiveCancer Center (RHLCCC), Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine (NUFSM), EvanstonNorthwestern Hospital (ENH) and Children's Memorial Research Center (CMRC). The transgenic laboratorywas first organized at the CMRC in 1989 as part of the Markey Program in Developmental Biology, to provide aresource for generating transgenic mice by pronuclear microinjection. In 2003, the laboratory was moved toNUFSM under new leadership by Dr. Warren Tourtellotte and with substantial university support, includingnewly designed/renovated space and new equipment. Today, the facility has evolved into a highly utilizedlaboratory that provides a broad range of services to NU investigators, including generation of transgenic mice,gene targeting of embryonic stem (ES) cells, ES cell microinjection into blastocysts, cryopreservation andrecovery of mouse embryos, and rederivation of pathogen free mouse strains. Since 2003, the TTML has beenhighly successful in reorganizing and expanding services, and has been highly successful in generatingtransgenic and targeted mutant mice. In 2005, services were expanded to offer embryocryopreservation/recovery, rederivation and in vitro fertilization. The new services position NU and CancerCenter investigators to capitalize on emerging repositories of mutant mice generated around the world, most ofwhich are stored as cryopreserved embryos. The TTML provides the necessary infrastructure to allow mostinvestigators to access transgenic technology that normally requires expensive microinjection/tissue cultureequipment and highly skilled staff with expertise in microinjection, microsurgeries, embryo manipulation, animalhusbandry, and ES cell culture. TTML staff provide consultation on all aspects of transgenic relatedtechnologies ranging from animal protocol approval to breeding, screening and analysis of newly createdtransgenic or chimeric mice. Moreover, TTML staff are also available to provide guidance regarding targetingvector design, appropriate screening strategies, and DNA isolation methods for gene targeting projects. TheTTML is governed by a faculty oversight committee which meets quarterly to provide guidance related tobudgetary and operational issues. Over the last five years, Cancer Center investigators have become theprimary group of NU investigators utilizing the TTML, emphasizing its pivotal role in the overall research missionof the RHLCCC.
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