Mouse Modeling and Cryopreservation

The Mouse Modeling and Cryopreservation Core offers support to investigators desiring to study in vivo gene function. Our expertise ranges from the creation of mouse models to their long-term preservation.

Roackie Awasthi, M.S. Director Parirokh.Awasthi2@nih.gov

Chimeric mouse generated by injection of C57Bl/6 ES cells into albino blastocyst-stage embryo.

Enabling in vivo studies of cancer biology

Our group generates genetically engineered mice (GEM) that model human diseases. GEMs have proven to be instrumental for the study of in vivo gene function in cancer biology. We also cryopreserve valuable genetically engineered mouse models.

Mouse sperm attaching to the zona pellucida of the oocyte during fertilization. Acrosomal enzymes allow the penetration of the mouse sperm head through the zona.

Expertise in the generation of genetically modified mice

We utilize cutting-edge mouse embryo micromanipulation techniques to generate novel gene-edited mouse models. In addition, our team has considerable expertise in mouse sperm and embryo cryopreservation and in the rescue of valuable lines. We generate large age matched cohorts for experiments, which can save a substantial amount of time and cage space.

Microinjection of CRISPR-Cas9 reagents into a fertilized oocyte to generate genetically engineered mouse models.

Transgenic mouse models using CRISPR-Cas9 technology

Our team incorporated a combination of cytoplasmic and pronuclear microinjection techniques to successfully generate complex knockout and knock-in mouse models using CRISPR-Cas9 technology.

Our capabilities and specializations

Generation of mouse models

We utilize microinjection techniques to generate murine models by random integration (traditional transgenic approach), by state-of-the-art CRISPR-Cas9 technology or traditional gene targeting in embryonic stem cells.

State-of-the-art CRISPR-Cas9 technology to generate gene edits in mouse embryos
Gene targeting in embryonic stem cells
Traditional transgenic approach for the study of gene overexpression

Assisted reproduction and cryopreservation

We have vast expertise in assisted reproduction techniques and cryopreservation of germplasm (sperm and embryos) to archive and protect valuable mouse lines.

Perform in vitro fertilization (IVF)
Reconstitute live mice from frozen germplasm
Generate age-matched mouse cohorts
Cryopreserve mouse sperm and pre-implantation embryos

Mouse blastocysts collected at 3.5 days post-fertilization. They are composed of trophectoderm in the periphery and a group of excentric cells called inner cell mass that gives rise to an individual. A transparent zona pellucida surrounds each blastocyst.

Germline export

Dissemination of mouse lines using cryopreserved sperm or embryos

Shipping live mice is costly and can result in spread of disease between colonies. The Mouse Modeling and Cryopreservation Core transports cryopreserved sperm or embryos that can be used for deriving live mice using assisted reproductive techniques.