Gene Transfer Core
Mission
The Gene Targeting Core (GTC) provides National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) investigators with research and technical services to generate, preserve, and recover genetically modified mouse models (GEMs).
Services:
- Scientific consultation and assistance at all stages of project development, including:
- Literature and database searches for available genetically modified mouse and cell lines
- Selection of optimal targeting strategies to effectively generate genetic modification
- Genome editing reagent design, including guide RNAs and HDR templates
- Founder screening and genotyping strategy design
- Generation of knockout, knockin, and transgenic mouse models, including:
- Pronuclear injection of DNA constructs (e.g., plasmids, BACs) into fertilized oocytes to generate transgenic mice
- Pronuclear or cytoplasmic microinjection, or electroporation of CRISPR/Cas9 reagents (SpCas9 nuclease, guide RNA(s), ssDNA or dsDNA HDR templates) to generate knockout, knockin, or transgenic mice
- Surgical implantation of single-cell or two-cell mouse embryos into pseudopregnant recipient females to generate founder mice
- Cryopreservation and recovery of genetically modified mouse models, including:
- Cryopreservation of mouse sperm and early-stage embryos to archive existing mouse lines
- In vitro fertilization and embryo re-derivation to regenerate mouse lines or generate pathogen-free mice
- Assistance with the import and distribution of mouse sperm and embryos for collaborative purposes
- Maintaining repository of cryopreserved mouse lines for use by NIDCR investigators
Staff
Last Reviewed
January 2026
January 2026