Core Facilities & Services
Mouse Mutant Core Facility
Background
The IRB Barcelona Mouse Mutant Core Facility (MMCF) generates murine models of disease and development for researchers within IRB Barcelona and their collaborators. The facility was set up in January 2007 and is staffed by scientists with extensive experience in cell culture, embryo manipulation and molecular biology.
The transgenic mouse plays a crucial role in fundamental and applied biomedical research. The study of normal and abnormal gene expression, of regulatory elements and of gene mutations relevant for human disease are examples of applications of genetically modified animal models in experimental research. A wide range of modifications can now be made to the mouse genome, including the introduction of simple exogenous transgene DNA, targeted deletions and insertions, the introduction of conditional sequences, point mutations and other modifications. These mutations are produced using a variety of techniques, most of which involve the manipulation of pre-implantation stage embryos or mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells.
MMCF offers full consultation on all aspects of design for transgenic and gene targeting projects, including design and construction of vectors, screening for mutations and analysis of mutant mice. In addition, we plan to give practical help with some stages of the molecular aspects of generating mouse models, such as the construction of recombinant DNA vectors and screening for mutant mice or mutant ES cell clones.
The technologies for creating mutant mice are continually being refined and advanced, and it is the aim of the MMCF to keep abreast of these developments, and incorporate them into our methodologies where appropriate.
For more information, please contact the facility head at mousemutant
irbbarcelona.org
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