Genetic engineering and animal modelling

The core facility provides services for the generation of new rodent models. These include classical transgenesis models (random transgene insertion) as well as gene editing models by embryonic stem cell manipulation. We are also developing new methods using the CRISPR-Cas9 system to generate models with: 

• Exon deletion (classic knockout [KO]) 
• Targeted point mutation 
• Conditional knockout 
• Targeted knock-in 

Please contact us for more information on our various genetic resources 

The core facility offers services to modify immortalized cell lines using CRISPR-Cas9 technology.  

Our service offer for the modification of immortalized cell lines is flexible: consultation or turnkey project.  

Please contact us directly for information on our prices for this service. 

The core facility offers genotyping services to maintain a colony at the CRCHUM or to generate new rodent models. It also offers re-derivation services.  

Our prices include DNA extraction, PCR amplification, gel migration and result analysis.  

The price per PCR reaction will vary depending on the enzyme used. We use different enzymes for genotyping, such as NEB Q5 (high fidelity polymerase) and MyTaq DNA polymerase (Bioline).  

We also offer a Q-PCR genotyping service using TaqMan probes. 

Please contact us directly for more information. 

Cryopreservation of sperm or embryos makes it possible to preserve rodent strains that are of great interest for research or no longer actively used. 

You should consider cryopreservation of cell lines as both a wise investment and an insurance. It saves time and money in the event of a reproductive problem or the appearance of undesirable mutations associated with genetic drift. 

We offer three different cryopreservation services. The first two involve the production and cryopreservation of embryos (natural reproduction or IVF produced embryos), and the third involves the cryopreservation of sperm. 

Mouse cell lines are revived through a procedure called embryo transfer. 

This method consists of surgically implanting embryos into the oviduct of the uterine horns of pseudogestating females.  

The cost of reviving a line varies depending on the cryopreserved material we have on hand.  

The re-derivation procedure includes the production and collection of embryos produced by natural reproduction or by IVF, and the transfer of these embryos into pathogen-free pseudogestating females.