Mouse Genetics Core Facility (MGCF)

The primary role of Mouse Genetics Core Facility (MGCF) is to facilitate the use of mouse molecular genetics at MSK for in vivo studies of gene functions germane to cancer. Relevant fields in which MSK investigators develop and apply mouse models include: cell growth and behavior, stem cell biology, embryonic development, immunobiology, genome integrity, cancer biology, and experimental therapeutics. The expertise of MGCF covers three broad areas pertaining to the generation and effective use of genetically engineered mouse (GEM) models—namely, molecular and cell biology, embryo micromanipulation, and reproductive biology. The molecular and cellular biology services cover design and assembly of genome engineering reagents, such as donor transgenes and CRISPR/Cas9; performing all aspects of gene targeting in mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells; identification and verification of alleles carried by a generated GEM model; and establishment of new ES cells from a variety of GEM lines. Reagents and materials generated in the molecular and cellular biology arm of services are brought to the embryology platform for introduction of transgene or genome editing reagents into zygotes and microinjection of ES cells into host embryos. Services in the reproductive biology arm complement the efficient use of GEM resources, including cryopreservation and long-term storage of GEM lines, strain recovery and propagation through IVF and embryo transfer, furnishing special embryological and surgical procedures, and provision of special GEM lines such as drug resistance gene and fluorescent reporter expressing strains. The Core also has an integral role in collaboratively providing consultation and training for the design and production of GEM models, ES cell culture and manipulation, and mouse reproduction and genetic crosses. Rapid advances in genome editing and sequencing technologies, in combination with the steady increase in translational research at MSK, have resulted in an increasing demand for GEM models supported by the MGCF services. In addition, MGCF continues to pursue and implement new technical developments that will expedite transgenesis and genome editing in mice. Ongoing efforts are centered on combining various new genome editing tools and methodologies to efficiently engineer large and complex genetic alleles in vivo. Integrating such advances into the Core’s services will lead to increased productivity and aid in efficient creation of innovative GEM models for MSK investigators.