Welcome to the Animal Models Core

The UNC Animal Models Core Facility was established to provide mouse genetic modification services, reagents and related technologies. Services for creating transgenic mice include isolation of the transgene fragment and pronuclear microinjections. Animals are typically a C57BL/6 X DBA2 hybrid strain, but can be made in a specific strain if needed for an additional cost. Gene targeting services include assistance with the design of targeting vectors, creating gene-targeted ES cells and blastocyst microinjections of the ES cells to create transmitting chimeras. Related services include creating homozygous ES cells from targeted ES cells, Cre- or Flp-mediated excision in ES cells, karyotyping, tail DNA purification, PCR screening and Southern blotting. Reagents available include mouse genomic DNA (for PCR and Southern hybridization assays) and several plasmids useful for engineering transgene and gene targeting vectors. To obtain transgenic mouse services, clients must fill out a "Service Request Form" and a "Transgene Assay Form".  These can be downloaded from this site. The first form assures the facility that an "Application to Use Live Vertebrate Animals" covering the genetically modified mice to be made by the facility has been approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). It also identifies the grant or source of funds to pay for reagents and services and a contact person in the client's lab that acts as a contact between the facility and client. The second form provides the facility with documentation that the client is able to detect the transgene in the background of genomic DNA.