Genetically Engineered Mouse Facility
The purpose of the Genetically Engineered Mouse Facility (GEMF) is to provide technologically advanced and efficient mouse mutation resources to faculty members at the institution. Modifications to the genome utilizing direct DNA injection and ES cell mutagenesis, cryopreservation, in vitro fertilization and rederivation of mouse lines are all technologies supported by the facility.
The facility is fully equipped with the latest instrumentation and staffed with highly skilled personnel trained specifically for the production of mutant mice.
Announcements
New Sperm Cryopreservation and IVF Protocols
The GEMF is now using new sperm cryopreservation and IVF protocols developed by Naomi Nakagata. With these protocols, we are routinely seeing 60-70% fertilization after thaw by C57BL/6 sperm, and 80-100% fertilization after thaw by FVB sperm.
Coming Soon
We are in the process of obtaining C57BL/6N ES cells for targeting. The C2 cell line we will use was generated in the lab of Dr. Andras Nagy and is in wide use by several high-power targeting groups.
ZFN and TALEN Injections
We are waiting for our first project for ZFN and TALEN injections. This unique method of generating targeted mice holds great promise. The co-injection of mRNA with plasmid DNA is a technique that the GEMF has already used successfully to generate transposon-mediated transgenic mice.
The Dead Live Again!
Did the last male of your critical line just die? If you put him in the refrigerator immediately (NOT the freezer), we can isolate sperm to recover the line for up to four days after death. We did this recently with a 6-8 month old male and ended up with a 79% fertilization rate. So don't give up hope. Call us! 713-745-1419 or 713-745-2654.
Related Department
Service Request Forms
All forms open in pdf format.
ES Cell Electroporation
Electroporation for Transgenesis
ES Cell Generation
Blastocyst Injection
KOMP/EUCOMM Blastocyst Injection
Pronuclear Injection
Standard Embryo Cryopreservation
Sperm Cryopreservation
IVF-Cryopreservation
Mouse Line Rederivation
In Vitro Fertilization
Mouse Resource Facility Product Request