About the MMRRC
Background Information
The purpose of the MMRRC is to act as a repository for mutant strains of mice. The UNC center is one of four collaborating centers functioning as a single, multi-site repository and informatics center for mouse lines of interest for the research community.
The MMRRC program is supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The purpose of the program is to ensure the continued availability of scientifically valuable, genetically engineered mice and to distribute these mice to qualified researchers studying human and animal biology and disease. A national network of regional cryopreservation, breeding and distribution centers serves as NIH’s premier repository of spontaneous and induced mutant mouse lines.
More information about the MMRRC program can be found at www.mmrrc.org
Functions of MMRRC
The centers accept strain submissions after review by a strain selection committee. The accepted strains are cryopreserved and made available worldwide, on demand, from the cryoarchive. Breeding colonies of high demand strains are established to fulfill orders. Strain products which may be available are: live mice, cryopreserved embryos, cryopreserved sperm, and ES cells.
Each center also conducts research to improve current methods for resuscitation of cryopreserved strains. Additional research provides information that is relevant to resources maintained within the MMRRC. Research contributes to the areas of assisted reproduction, cryobiology, genetic analysis, phenotyping and infectious disease diagnostics.
Each MMRRC center provides the following services
- cryopreservation of embryos and germplasm of all accepted strains
- distribution of mice as breeding stock
- genetic and health quality control on all strains
- development of resources to facilitate mouse-related research
- contract services for preservation and distribution
- additional related services specified by each center