Mutant Mouse Resource & Research Center at the University of Missouri
Grant Number: U42OD010918
Center Overview
The Mutant Mouse Resource & Research Center (MMRRC) at the University of Missouri (MU-MMRRC) was established in 2000. The MU-MMRRC is a consortium of investigators that includes Craig Franklin, D.V.M., Ph.D. (Co-PI), Jim Amos-Landgraf, Ph.D. (Co-PI), Elizabeth Bryda, Ph.D., Yuksel Agca, D.V.M., Ph.D., and Aaron Ericsson, D.V.M., Ph.D. at the University of Missouri.
Research Emphasis/Objectives
Research efforts focus on assessing the role of complex gut microbiota in model phenotypes, reproducibility, and translatability by developing well-controlled antigen-experienced microbiota, economic strategies by which complex microbiota can be transferred, and tools to better sample microbiota kinetics. These studies have yielded new paradigms by which the MMRRC can now provide mice harboring one or more standardized complex microbiota and aid investigators wishing to assess the role of microbiota in their model phenotypes.
Services Provided
Animals
The overall goal is to distribute high-quality, well-characterized genetically-engineered (i.e., transgenic, knockout) or spontaneous mutant mice to investigators. To this end, the MMRRC selects and imports mouse strains and stocks important to the biomedical research community, rederives mice to a pathogen-free state, cryopreserves gametes and embryos, performs genotyping and infectious disease monitoring to ensure the quality of the mice, and distributes live mice to investigators.
Biological Materials
In addition to live animals, cryopreserved germplasm, genomic DNA, or tissue samples from models can be provided.
Fee-for-Service
A number of services are available on a fee-for-service basis. The MMRRC encourages research collaborations with investigators and can provide consultation on colony management, husbandry, reproductive biology, gamete and embryo cryopreservation, genetics, and model generation and characterization (including phenotyping, histopathology, behavioral testing, and metagenomics).
Cryopreservation and Cryostorage
Cryopreservation and cryostorage of sperm and embryos are performed routinely for the strains/stocks donated to the MMRRC, and these services are available to investigators for non-MMRRC strains as insurance against loss of valuable models or to generate banks of frozen material for use to refresh foundation colonies to minimize genetic drift.
Rederivation and Cryo-Resuscitation
Either in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and subsequent embryo transfer techniques can be used to resuscitate and rederive strains/stocks. Investigators receive recovered litters with confirmed genetics and a pathogen-free health status.
Colony Management and Breeding Services
The MMRRC can maintain small colonies of mice for investigators who may not have the expertise or facility space to do so. Other services include moving genetic mutations to new genetic backgrounds using a speed congenic approach, timed matings, and embryo collection.
Genetic Testing
Services available for both MMRRC and non-MMRRC mice include but are not limited to genotyping (standard PCR, digital droplet PCR, PCR followed by restriction endonuclease digest or nucleotide sequence analysis, RT-PCR, qPCR, and probe-based allelic discrimination), sex determination assays, genotyping assay development, validation/optimization of genotyping assays, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis, speed congenic assay development, fluorescent in situ hybridization, and karyotyping.
Embryonic Stem Cell and Microinjection Services
Services available for MMRRC mice and non-MMRRC mice include but are not limited to electroporation and selection in embryonic stem (ES) cells, genome editing (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9), and transgene development (e.g., plasmid, BAC).
Rodent Health Monitoring and Pathology
Services available for MMRRC mice and non-MMRRC mice include but are not limited to pathogen detection through a collaborating diagnostic laboratory (IDEXX BioAnalytics), gross necropsy examination, tissue collection, and histopathologic evaluation of tissues.
Metagenomics
Through a partnership with the University of Missouri Metagenomics Center, services available for MMRRC mice and non-MMRRC mice include but are not limited to targeted 16S rRNA or whole-genome microbiome characterization and analysis, consultation on the impact of differing microbiota on model phenotype and reproducibility and translatability, manipulation of microbiomes through rederivation or alternative procedures, and collaborative studies assessing the impact of microbiome on model phenotypes.
Animal Model Development
The MMRRC partners with the University of Missouri Animal Modeling Core (AMC) to create genetically engineered mice using contemporary state-of-the-art technologies. Services of the AMC include construct design, zygote injection or ES cell targeting, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing, genotyping assay development, and maintenance of animal colonies.
Training
MU-MMRRC is affiliated with the Comparative Medicine Program, a training program for veterinarians pursuing careers in biomedical research. Externships for veterinary students and post-D.V.M. trainees are available through the MU Comparative Medicine Program.
Contact Information
University of Missouri MMRRC
4011 Discovery Drive
Columbia, MO 65201
https://mu-mmrrc.com/
Principal Investigators
Craig Franklin, D.V.M., Ph.D., DACLAM, Co-PI
Phone: 573-882-6623
[email protected]
Jim Amos-Landgraf, Ph.D., Co-PI
Phone: 573-882-1514
[email protected]
Resource/Additional Contact
MMRRC Customer Service
Phone: 888-673-3444 or 573-884-6076
Fax: 573-882-9857
[email protected]
Reproductive Services
Yuksel Agca, D.V.M., Ph.D.
[email protected]
Genetics and Genotyping
Elizabeth Bryda, Ph.D.
Director, Rat Resource and Research Center
Director, MU Animal Modeling Core
[email protected]
Metagenomics
Aaron Ericsson, D.V.M., Ph.D.
Director, MU Metagenomics Center
[email protected]