Services

This Facility uses Bacterial Artificial Chromosome (BAC) recombination technology to make DNA constructs and targeting vectors that can then be used to generate genetically modified mice. BACs are readily available for virtually every gene in the genome and can be identified from Internet-accessible public databases. BACs are 100-200 kb in size, making them large enough to cover an entire gene. BACs can be used to generate knock-in, knock-out and reporter gene constructs for use in transgenic mice.

Our Facility has been in operation for more than three years and has made many complex BAC-derived constructs for use in mice. For example, we modified BACs to express epitope tagged proteins, EGFP (Enhanced Green Fluorescence Protein), hPLAP (human Placental Alkaline Phosphatase) and beta-galactosidase in genetically-defined cell types. We have also generated constructs expressing Cre recombinase, Tet on/off trans-activators and optogenetic proteins to study neural circuit function. We can also use BAC engineering to generate various mutations at the gene level including: exon swaps, duplications, truncations, deletions, point mutations and conditional gene modifications.

BAC Core staff work closely with clients and with the Animal Model Core Facility at UNC to generate transgenic, gene-targeting, conditional mutagenesis animals. We provide free initial consultation in the design of transgenic or gene targeting constructs.

Services include:

• Acquire BACs encompassing your gene of interest
• Modify BACs using BAC recombineering
• Generate knock-in, knock-out and conditional targeting constructs
• Generate BAC transgenic constructs
• Optimize PCR and Southern blot hybridization for genotyping
• Mouse embryonic stem cell manipulation
• Planning and advice regarding mouse genetic approaches

Service request form and fee list (PDF)