Request a ReproGenomics mutant

 

If you are interested in obtaining any of the mutant mouse models, please contact John Eppig (reprogenomics@jax.org).


In laying your plans for analysis of any of these models, please consider the following issues.

  1. Mouse status.  How are the mouse lines available - alive or as frozen sperm? If available only as frozen sperm, are you able to recover the mice, or will you need to receive live mice?  If you need help rederiving a line that has been cryopreserved, the service is available through JaxServices.  http://jaxmice.jax.org/services/cryorecovery.html
     
  2. Mapping Status.   The ReproGenomics group identifies the chromosomal region containing the mutant gene for each infertile mouse line.  However, the cloning of the individual mutant gene causing the infertility is the responsibility of the investigators who choose to obtain the mouse line for study (in some cases, the ReproGenomics group may be able to collaborate in the fine mapping endeavor).  When you obtain a mutant line you will receive detailed information regarding the map position and microsatellite DMit markers that flank the mutant gene candidate region.  Subsequently, you can PCR genotype each animal for purposes of mating or identifying homozygous mutant animals for biological studies.  
     
  3. Colony Management.  PCR genotyping with the DMit marker information provided by the reprogenomics group is strongly recommended.  This will allow efficient mating and mutant mouse identification without risk of loosing the mutant gene allele, as you will identify the presence of the mutant allele by the presence of its flanking microsatellite markers.  Since each of the mutations available is recessive, the lines can easily be maintained by heterozygote X heterozygote matings (producing 25% homozygous mutant offspring).  In cases where only one sex is affected by the infertility mutation, homozygote X heterozygote matings can be maintained (producing 50% homozygous mutant offspring).
     
  4. Mouse Availability.  We do not carry out large scale production of our mutant models after regional mapping.  We can provide interested scientists with one or two breeding pairs to found their own colonies.  If you are interested in a mutant mouse line but do not have the appropriate facilities to maintain a colony, JaxServices offers custom breeding services which provide a cost effective alternative to on-site breeding.  http://jaxmice.jax.org/services/custbreeding.html      
     
  5. Receiving Mice.  In order to receive the requested mice, you must have appropriate arrangements and approval from your animal facility, possibly including approval from your institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.   
       
    NIH Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare    
    http://grants.nih.gov/grants/olaw/olaw.htm