Overview
The mission of the Transgenic and Chimeric Mouse Facility (TCMF) is to provide state-of-the-art mouse genetics technologies to the investigators from UPCI, University of Pittsburgh, and its affiliated institutions. The TCMF staff recognizes that investigators using the facility may have differing levels of expertise, so the facility has developed plans for assisting investigators when needed. The TCMF will provide consultation to individual investigators at all levels including guidance on design and preparation of transgene constructs.
To start a project with the TCMF, an investigator is required to first consult with the scientific director who will provide detailed instructions for preparation of the gene construct, protocols for DNA preparation, and a project time-line that includes the tentative start and completion dates of the project. Technology training sessions at the core and in the investigator’s laboratory for techniques such as ES cell culture, embryological studies, etc., can be provided. The members of the University of Pittsburgh scientific community are encouraged to propose any additional procedures for mouse genetics that might facilitate their research and broaden the scope of the services offered by the Transgenic and Chimeric Mouse Facility.
The techniques involved in creating transgenic and gene knockout animals are highly sophisticated and require well trained personnel. The generation of transgenic founders and establishment of transgenic lines can take 8-12 months, and the wait period for gene knockout animals can be even longer. Therefore, it is important that each project is well thought out and carefully planned.