Gene Targeting Facility

The Gene Targeting Facility has a wealth of experience in the field of generating transgenic mice. Transgenics can be produced by pronuclear injection of plasmid DNA or, in the near future, by BAC injection. Additionally gene targeting leading to germline transmission is performed with high success rates. Classical knockouts or knockins can be generated along with conditional knockouts both in vitro and in vivo.

A variety of embryonic stem cell lines are available for use, from the conventional mouse 129 Ola line to the C57Bl/6 line which has recently been validated; this latest embryonic stem cell line is of enormous value in terms of efficiency.

Work is currently underway using a XYClone laser system to eliminate the chimera stage presently essential for germline transmission














Laser Assisted Injection
8-cell stage embryo showing laser
target ablating the zona pellucida