Free consultation
The Animal Modeling Core (AMC) meets with the investigator and/or a knowledgeable laboratory member to discuss the best strategy for generating the most appropriate animal model (species, genetic background, characterization and timeline)..
Design and generation of DNA targeting constructs
The AMC will design and assemble DNA targeting constructs to create the desired animal model. Production of targeting vectors to generate conditional knockout, knock-in and transgenic rats can be purchased separately or as part of a larger contract to generate the animal model.
CRISPR-Cas mediated genome editing
CRISPR-Cas technology can be used to produce gene knockouts and knock-ins directly within the zygote. Guide RNA (gRNA), Cas mRNA/protein, along with repair DNA template (when appropriate) are microinjected or electroporated into one-cell stage zygotes. Manipulated embryos are then transferred into pseudopregnant surrogate dams.
Transgenic rat production via zygote injections
Donor rats are superovulated and mated to obtain one-cell stage zygotes. Transgenic rats are generated by pronuclear microinjection of engineered DNA into the zygotes. Manipulated embryos are then transferred into pseudopregnant surrogate dams.
Rat production via embryonic stem cell targeting
Embryonic stem (ES) cells harboring a desired genetic manipulation are microinjected into blastocyst-stage embryos. Manipulated embryos are then transferred into pseudopregnant surrogate dams. Chimeric rats can be generated using commercially available ES cells or by custom ES cell targeting performed by the AMC.