DRC Transgenic and CRISPR Mouse Core

University Of California, San Diego, La Jolla CA

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

Summary Diabetes research during the coming decades will depend heavily upon the ability to utilize the mouse as an experimental model. Mouse models will be critical for investigating both basic and clinically relevant questions in diabetes research. The strong conservation between the genomes of humans and mice, coupled with similar aspects of their physiology, makes mice a powerful model system for understanding human diabetes. In particular, the ability to alter the mouse genome as a means to create models for human diabetes, endocrine pathologies, and diabetes complications will greatly facilitated diabetes research, particularly with regard to in vivo aspects of diabetes. The Transgenic and CRISPR Mouse Core (TCMC) provides investigators at UCLA and UCSD with a wide array of genetic manipulations in the mouse, including targeted deletions, insertions, and point mutations. We use the most cutting-edge approaches, including various versions of the CRISPR system, to performing reverse genetics in the mouse. In addition to small mutations, we perform large DNA replacements, generate mice with conditional Tet-inducible and tamoxifen-inducible transgenes, and create tissue-specific and conditional knock-out mice using Cre-LoxP and Flp recombinases and recombination–mediated cassette exchange (RMCE). We also generate transgenic mice with BAC insertions, and create mice with specialized properties, including BAC-Trap, RiboTag, and tagged-protein mice. The Core also provides other services, including (i) cryogenic freezing of mouse sperm and embryos and (ii) in vitro fertilization to resuscitate mouse sperm. Our long-standing Core is an impressive example of how specialized techniques, highly trained dedicated personnel, specially constructed facilities, and state-of-the-art equipment can be accessed by researchers to achieve goals not feasible on an individual basis. Key objectives are: 1. To create innovative and important mouse models for studies of diabetes and its complications 2. To eliminate barriers to the most cutting-edge mouse genetic approaches for the DRC membership 3. To provide outstanding, reliable, and high-quality mouse embryology and genetic services 4. To advance the technology of genetic manipulation of the mouse genome The availability of the TCMC in coordination with the other DRC Cores, will continue to enable our members to conduct versatile, cutting-edge genetic research in the mouse with a battery of multidisciplinary, state-of-the-art techniques.