Genetically Modified Rodent Models: Options and Considerations

In the table below, we have presented many considerations that you may want to contemplate when deciding the best way forward for sourcing genetically engineered mice and rats.

Model SourceAdvantagesConsiderations
Purchased from a repository or obtained from a collaborating lab
  • Animals available study-ready
  • Regulatory license for creation of new line not required
  • Published research on these strains may be available
  • Is model an exact fit for your research needs?
  • Has genetic integrity been compromised by breeding and/or caretaking protocols?
  • Could the model carry the wrong genes?
  • What is the health status?
  • Companies requesting genetically engineered models from a university may be faced with months of MTA negotiations plus high license fees
Created in-house
  • Cost-effectiveness "per-mouse" once a transgenic core is set up
  • Collaboration of internal departments
  • Time and money for initial setup and maintenance to remain "state-of-the-art" (both equipment and training)
  • How complex is the gene modification? (e.g., tissue-specific)
  • How to ensure detection of unexpected CRISPR* off & on-target effects
  • Complexity of breeding schemes
  • Project priority: When will my project start, and will timelines be adhered to?
  • What is the health status?
Created in collaboration with a qualified external vendor
  • Advice from scientific teams who've worked on extensive variety of models
  • Adherence to project timelines
  • Convenience & efficiency from choosing a vendor with additional required services
  • High health status with breeding under VAF/Plus® (SOPF) standards
  • Access to, and advice on, CRISPR* licensing; ownership of intellectual property
  • Costs must be compared to total cost of setting up and maintaining transgenic facility
  • Investment and effort can be redirected to research
  • Right model can be preserved for future projects
  • CRISPR* off- & on-target effect analysis provided to generate consistent model data
* CRISPR-Cas9 used under licenses to granted and pending US and international patents from The Broad Institute and ERS Genomics Limited.

 

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Tackling Research Reproducibility: Genetic Reporting Guidelines and Validation Methodologies
View this webinar to learn about the requirements of LAG-R guidelines and how to best adopt them in your research, including verifying strain authenticity, mutant alleles, and transgene copy numbers, as well as identifying genetic anomalies and reducing experimental risks. Watch on Demand