Transgenic Mouse and Gene Targeting Shared Core Facility

It is clear that genetically altered mouse models are critical to understanding basic mechanisms underlying tumor development. In addition, these animal models can provide valuable tools in the drug discovery pathway, leading to novel therepeutic interventions. In fact, the NCI sponsored Mouse Models of Human Cancer Consortium (MMHCC), heavily emphasizes the use and development of new genetic mouse models, thus underscoring the recognization of their importance in cancer research. The Transgenic Mouse and Gene Targeting Core Facility acts to provide these genetically altered mouse models to the Winship Cancer Institute (WCI), and the Emory Research community as a whole. In addition, the core facility provides services for the characterization, analysis, and maintenance of these valuable research models. These services include 1) embryo cryopreservation and rederivation, 2) genetic screening (PCR or Southern blot), 3) colony maintenance, 4) tissue harvest and preparation of samples for histology or biochemical analysis, and 5) free consultation on project design. The core provides service to approximately 40 investigators per year across Emory, with about 20% of these being WCI faculty. In addition to standard service provision, the Core Director has been active in Cancer research at Emory and has consultative, or collaborative interactions with numerous other WCI faculty. In order to better leverage Core resources, and to further stimulate these interactions, the Transgenic Mouse and Gene Targeting Core Facility was brought under the joint direction of both the SOM and WCI starting in September of 2007. The Core facility has relocated into newly rennovated space within the Cancer Institute, and is now receiving subsidy and equipment support from the WCI. In addition, the WCI leadership is now offering a 20% subsidized discount to WCI users to stimulate usage and develop collaborative inter- and intra- programatic interactions utilizing this critical technology within the WCI. In addition, the core facility is in the process of developing new services to better meet investigator needs, including transgenic and gene-targeting construct generation, and establishment of cell lines from genetic mouse models. Most critically, the core is developing services for optical imaging in the mouse, both through existing equipment (luciferase imaging-Xenogen system) and through a collaborative interaction with the Cellular Imaging Core (Marcus), using the OV100 system (Olympus)