Rodent Model Core

Faculty Core Director: Albee Messing, VMD, PhD		Faculty Core Co-Director: Qiang Chang, PhD

Introduction:
The Rodent Models Core provides technical support for the generation and characterization of transgenic and knockout strains of mice, access to expensive behavioral equipment for mice and rats that can be shared among several investigators, and expertise in the behavioral phenotyping of mouse and rat models of MRDD and related disorders of the CNS. In addition, the Core is responsible for the care, feeding, and record-keeping related to the use of mice and rats by IDDRC projects and the maintenance of specific rodent models of development, developmental disabilities, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Objectives:
The main objectives of the Waisman Center IDDRC Rodent Models Core are:

To provide advanced technical services in the generation and cryopreservation of mutant or genetically engineered strains of mice and rats.
To provide advanced behavioral testing services and facilities for the phenotypic characterization of novel strains of mice and rats.
To provide biostatistical expertise and consultation to investigators using the Rodent Models Core in the design of experiments and analysis of data.
To assist IDDRC investigators with compliance with established university and federal guidelines for the care and use of laboratory animals, including data sharing requirements.
To provide, at the lowest possible cost, a full spectrum of high quality care for all laboratory rodents needed in IDDRC research projects.

Through these services, and the extensive formal and informal consultations with investigators that Core staff members provide, the Rodent Models Core greatly facilitates research by assisting in the initial planning of experiments, implementation of studies, and analysis of data required to generate results suitable for publication.

Three principles guide the administration of this Core:

Maintaining the health and safety of animals housed in the vivarium and used in experimental protocols;
Providing support for the scientific needs of IDDRC investigators;
Providing innovative resources that are beyond the expertise or capacity of individual laboratories (e.g., transgenic/knockout services, behavioral testing, biostatistical consulting)

Access to Core Services:

Transgenics/knockouts - Contact: Albee Messing
- Form for requesting use of transgenic/knockout services (MS Word)
Behavioral Testing Suite - Contact: Matthew Andrzejewski
- Form for requesting use of BTS services
  PDF version
  MS Word Version
- Form for requesting mouse transfer to BTS
  MS Word
Animal Housing - Contact: Jason Pinnow
- Request for Animal Housing Form (MS Word)

Resources available through this core:
(Waisman Staff Only - use your Waisman login and password to access)

Library of strains maintained as live or frozen stocks
Injection/Rederivation Schedule (pdf)
Methods
- DNA Prep for Transgene Microinjection (pdf)
- Preparation of DNA for Electroporation into mES cells (pdf)
Standard Operating Procedures
Policies and Procedures
Forms
Rates (Effective 8/30/10)

Relevant Links