Revitalizing Methods Used to Generate and Cryopreserve Novel Gene Edited Rodents

Description:

The Genome Editing and Animal Models Shared Resource (GEAM), contains state-of-the-art molecular biology and cell culture laboratories and a Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) animal vivarium.

This project will allow replacement, upgrade or duplicate equipment for the animal model division of GEAM, including embryo manipulation upgrade and duplication, cryopreservation upgrade and general lab supplies replacement.

The primary mission of the GEAM is to make state-of-the-art transgenic and genome editing technologies accessible and cost effective to campus investigators. GEAM staff achieve the desired alteration of gene function using CRISPR/Cas9 or other genome editing and transgene-based approaches. Skills in reproductive biology, embryo manipulation, and animal husbandry enable staff to edit the genomes of inbred mouse and rat strains that exhibit low reproductive capacity as well.

GEAM also provides state-of-the-art services that allow valuable animal models to be banked and recovered as needed to preserve these animal models or reduce the costs associated with maintaining live breeding stock for novel models that are not actively being studied. GEAM staff are highly experienced and capable of cryopreserving mouse and rat embryos or sperm and recovering mouse and rat models through embryo transfer or in vitro fertilization.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS::

Kathy Krentz, co-director of the UW Biotechnology Center Genome Editing and Animal Models Facility

Dustin Rubinstein, co-director of the UW Biotechnology Center Genome Editing and Animal Models Facility

CORE:

UW Biotechnology Center Genome Editing and Animal Models Facility