About

Mouse Genetics Core Facility (MGCF)

Overview of Services

 

The role of the Mouse Genetics Core Facility (MGCF) is to facilitate the use of mouse molecular genetics at MSK for in vivo studies of gene functions pertinent to cancer. The expertise of MGCF covers 3 broad technical areas for the generation and utilization of genetically engineered mice (GEM), namely molecular and cell biology, embryo manipulation, and reproductive biology. As an integral role of the MGCF, staff members regularly engage with investigators in consultation, discussion, and training in the design and production of mouse models, ES cell culture and manipulation, mutant allele characterization, and genetics. In addition, MGCF continues to pursue and implement new technological developments that will expedite GEM generation. Much of Core’s recent effort has been devoted to technical advancements in genome editing using CRISPR/Cas9 and in ES cell approaches to generate mice with complex genetic modifications. It is our hope that integrating such advancements into Core’s services will expedite the development of novel GEM models, and hence will contribute to the productivity of MSK investigators.

  

Links and resources

 

MGCF Core Website

https://www.mskcc.org/research-advantage/core-facilities/mouse-genetics

 

Services

 

Molecular and Cell Biology

  1. Design and preparation of molecular reagents, such as transgene DNA and genome editing cocktails
  2. Genotyping of founder mice
  3. Identification and verification of alleles carried by produced GEM models
  4. Culture and manipulation of mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells
  5. Gene targeting in ES cells to generate new mutant alleles
  6. Establishment of ES cells from GEM lines.



Embryo Manipulation

  1. Micromanipulation of zygotes to introduce transgene DNA and genome editing tools, such as CRISPR/Cas9
  2. Microinjection of ES cells into pre-implantation host embryos

 

Reproductive Biology

  1. Strain rederivation or recovery through IVF and/or embryo transfer
  2. Cryopreservation and long-term storage of GEM lines
  3. Performance of special embryological and animal surgical procedures
  4. Provision of GEM resources, including some fluorescent reporter mice.