The Innovative Technologies Development (ITD) Core provides cutting edge Genetically Engineered Mouse Models (GEMM), generated primarily using CRISPR/Cas9 technology.
Genetic Engineering in mice using CRISPR/Cas9 technology: Dr. Sebastien Gingras will consult with the investigator on the design of the targeting strategy. Detailed analysis of the gene structure then provides the best targeting strategy to meet the investigator’s objectives. We provide complete a turnkey service that includes project design (targeting strategy and genotyping protocol), synthesis of sgRNA and targeting vectors, assessment of reagents quality, editing efficiency, and mouse genotyping.
Classical transgenesis: Design of transgenic vectors.
Assistance with gene editing in cell lines using CRISPR: We offer designs and can help with genome engineering projects in cell lines. We will advise the investigator on the most effective method to generate their desired cell lines. We will provide the design for a custom targeting strategy, identify targets sites, the design of targeting vectors, cloning procedure, and genotyping strategy.
Other/New: The Innovative Technologies Development Core will also consider developing new emerging technologies or other services that would be valuable to investigators of the University of Pittsburgh
The ITD Core will provide a complete “turnkey” service, including the design of a targeting strategy, reagents synthesis, microinjection, and genotyping of potential founders. The Core not only creates new strains of mice, but the value of our service is enhanced by educating our clients about CRISPR/Cas9 technology, as well as training on the best laboratory practice for managing mouse colonies, breeding strategies, and proper characterization of the newly generated strains.
Productivity and Impact.
To date, the ITD Core together with the MES Core have generated over 250 different strain of mice, including:
- Classical random insertion of transgene
- Knockout
- Targeted mutation (point mutation and SNP)
- Conditional knockout
- Knock-in and conditional knock-in in the ROSA26 locus
- Gene specific knock-in (reporter mice with fluorescent protein and gene-specific recombinase (Cre, Flpo).
Grants
The new mouse models have led to multiple successful funding applications!
Publications
Several of those newly generated models have resulted in high impact publications!
See the list of published mouse models: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/collections/58940304/?sort=pubdate.
Summary of GEMM created
Initially generating simpler models (knockout and point mutation), the core has progress in making complex genetic modification
