Genetically Engineered Mouse Models (GEMM) Core

About the GEMM Core

The GEMM Core provides full service - Gene to Whiskers- mouse genetic engineering services to researchers at the University of Arizona. These services provide CRISPR-based gene edited mice, ES-cell based gene targeted mice, and transgenic mice. As a full service University Core, the GEMM Core provides guide RNA or vector design & construction, prior to production of the mice. We then create the mice - the investigator does not need to supply any reagents or carry out any procedures.

The GEMM Core has provided engineered alleles for knockouts, conditional knockouts, SNP knockins, tag and marker insertions, motif deletions, domain duplication, and transgenic alleles. The Core also provides embryo derivation, strain cryopreservation, and cyrostorage services. The Core's services are also available to outside institutions, nationally or internationally, whether they are academic, for-profit, and/or private entities.

Overview of Services

Gene Editing Services/mouse models

1. gRNA Design / Construction – With information provided by the investigator, the GEMM Core will design/generate CRISPR reagents for the production of modified mouse models:  

• Simple – Includes gene Knockouts, SNP and small tags Knock-Ins, and small or large deletions. Service will provide mice with verified genome-edited allele.
• Complex– Includes conditional gene Knockouts, conditional SNP Knock-Ins, simple or conditional reporter/marker/sensor Knock-Ins, and domain replacement. Service will provide mice with verified genome-edited allele.

2. CRISPR RNP Microinjection or Electroporation.

Gene Editing Services/cell cultures

1. Gene Knock-Out Mutations – Removal of gene transcription.
2. Gene Knock-In / Point mutations – Amino acid substitution or Knock-In
3. Gene Knock-In with tagging – Endogenous Fluorescent tagging
4. Specialized and Advanced Services - Special and advanced services as requested, hourly rate charged above a maximum allowable # of hours per project.

Gene Targeting Mouse Services

1. Vector Evaluation (Gene Targeting) – Service will provide a scientific review of a gene-targeting vector.
2. Vector Design and Construction / Simple Knockout (Gene Targeting) – With information provided by the researcher/investigator, GEMM Core will design and build a targeted vector.
3. Vector Design and Construction / Conditional Knockout (Gene Targeting)- With information provided by the researcher / investigator, GEMM Core will design and build a targeted vector.
4. Vector Design and Construction / Conditional Knock-In (Gene Targeting)- With information provided by the researcher/investigator, GEMM Core will design and build a targeted vector.
5. DNA Electroporation into Mouse ES Cells – Service will genetically modify a specific gene in mouse ES cells.
6. Blastocyst Injection – Service will produce chimeric mice from blastocyst microinjections of genetically modified mouse embryonic stem cells.

Transgenic Mouse Services

1. Vector Evaluation (Transgenic)- Service will provide a scientific review of a transgenic vector.
2. Vector Design and Construction / Simple (Transgenic) – With information provided by the researcher/investigator, GEMM Core will design and build a transgenic vector.
3. Vector Design and Construction / Conditional (Transgenic) – With information provided by the researcher/investigator, GEMM Core will design and build a transgenic vector.
4. Pronuclear Injection - Service will produce transgenic mice through the microinjection of DNA sequences into fertilized mouse zygotes.

Embryo Rederivation Services

1. Embryo Rederivation – Service will eliminate detrimental mouse pathogens.

Liquid Nitrogen Storage

1. Sperm Cyropreservation – Service will provide cryogenic archiving of mouse gametes.
2. Annual LN2 Cyrogenic Storage Fee – Annual fee for storing cryogenically archived mouse sperm samples.

Other GEMM Core Services

1. GEMM Core/labor – GEMM Core personnel's hourly rate for maintaining a Black6/NJ in-house mouse colony for injection embryo production. This rate is also charged for any other services not listed. Please contact GEMM Core for further details on this service.
2. COVID-19 Mouse - Provide starter mouse for use in COVID19 research.
3. In Vitro Fertilization (mouse)- Service will re-establish a mouse line by In Vitro Fertilization using frozen or fresh sperm.

Leadership

Teodora Georgieva, PhD | Director, GEMM Core

520.626.2251

teodorag@email.arizona.edu

Staff

Thomas Doetschman, PhD

Specialist, Embryonic Stem Cell Culture

Larry Johnson

Microinjection

520.626.7246

larryjohnson@email.arizona.edu

Tama Taylor-Doyle

Animal Colony Maintenance

520.626.7684

ttdoyle@email.arizona.edu

Lisa Shanks

Gene Editing Services/cell cultures

lshanks@arizona.edu

Hours of Operation  

Links and Resources

1. https://gemmcore.bio5.org/#gemmcore
2. https://keating.bio5.org/gemmcore/admin
3. For additional services that involve mouse experimentation, please visit the Experimental Mouse Shared Services (EMSS) of the University of Arizona Cancer Center.

Contacts