Genetic quality control is an essential component of any QA program in laboratory rodent facilities. This guidebook describes the objectives of and available methods for genetic QC programs in rodent facilities.
Guidebook Table of Contents
Part 1: Inbred and F1 Hybrid Strains
- Colony Management (Sibling Mating, Reintroduction of Foundation Breeders to Nucleus Colonies, Restarting Foundation from Cryopreserved Embryos, Geographic and Operational Segregation of Strains, Selection and Identification of Future Breeders, Abnormal Observations, Congenic Lines)
- Genetic Monitoring of Qualitative Genetic Markers (Marker Types and Monitoring Methods, Results Analysis and Interpretation, Sample Selection)
Part 2: Outbred Stocks
- Importance of Outbred Rodent Stocks to Research
- Colony Management (Avoiding Genetic Bottlenecking, Adopt Rotational Mating Schemes, Migrate Individuals Among Colonies, Apply “Stabilizing” Selection)
- Genetic Monitoring of Qualitative Genetic Markers
Part 3: Creating Genetically Engineered Models
- Genetic Modification Technologies (Transgenesis, Targeted Mutagenesis, Inducible Models, Conditional Models, Targeted Nucleases)
- Colony Management (Backcross and Speed Congenics, Multiple Mutations)
- Genetic Monitoring (Mutations, Genetic Background, Phenotypic Monitoring)
Part 4: Rederivation
- Rederivation Techniques (Hysterectomy/Cesarean Section, Embryo Transfer)
- Embryo Production Techniques [Natural Mating, In vitro Fertilization (IVF)]
Part 5: Cryopreservation
- Embryo Cryopreservation (Vitrification Method, Quick Freeze Method, Slow Rate or Equilibration Method)
- Spermatozoa Cryopreservation