Research
Cancer Center Shared Resources
Mouse Biology Shared Resource (MBSR)
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The Mouse Biology Shared Resource (MBSR) provides unique, sophisticated, and comprehensive knockout, transgenic, and humanized murine cancer models and related services for advancing translational cancer research. Additionally, the MBSR offers services to enhance the use of existing mouse models or to facilitate the development of new mouse models for cancer research, including genetic alteration (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene targeting, transgenesis), surgical manipulation (e.g., patient-derived xenografts (PDX), cell-derived allografts (CDA) and xenografts (CDX)), and environmental challenges (e.g., diet, chemotherapeutic agents).
Cancer Models in Mice
The MBSR has over 26 years of experience creating and studying genetically modified, PDX and other types of mouse models for use in cancer studies.
It has the ability to produce a wide range of allele-specific mouse models to help you achieve your research objectives. The MBSR also offers innovative technologies to phenotype mouse models that mimic human conditions.
Services
In addition to mouse models of cancer, the MBSR provides scientific and technical consultation on experimental design and planning, as well as project and mouse colony management services for cancer researchers. Furthermore, the MBSR provides opportunities for training in procedures using mice for cancer research. Finally, the MBSR provides letters of support for grant applications and can assist researchers with methods and analysis of testing results for publications. The full spectrum of MBSR services includes
In Vivo Genetic Engineering and Modeling Services in Mice
- CRISPR genome editing, gene targeting by homologous recombination in embryonic stem (ES) cells, conditional mutagenesis and transgenesis
- Cryopreservation and recovery, assisted reproduction (in vitro fertilization (IVF), ICSI) and rederivation
- Genotyping (PCR), quantitative TaqMan, transcriptome and expression analysis
- Molecular construct design, analysis, and validation
- Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) modeling, including primary tumors and frozen tissues, in immunocompromised mice and immunohumanized mice
- Cell-derived allografts (CDA) and xenografts (CDX) in immunocompetent syngeneic mice
Mouse Management, Phenotyping, and Pathology Services
- Import and export of mice, germplasm, and tissue
- Mouse procurement and rederivation into pathogen-free colonies
- In vivo phenotyping services, including behavior, morphology, physiology, and imaging (PET/MRI)
- Specific pathogen free (SPF), high-containment barrier, and gnotobiotic mouse housing, colony management and breeding
- Gross pathology and microscopic histopathology services
Key Instrumentation
Our facility features state-of-the-art technology to support your cancer research investigations. Instrumentation includes:
- 3000-liter microbulk nitrogen storage and supply manifolds for automated liquid nitrogen delivery, with 24/7 alarm monitoring and notifications
- Aperio AT2 slide scanner and full suite of pathology laboratory microscopes and instruments
- Chart MVE cryostorage tanks for liquid or vapor nitrogen storage of >100,000 vials or straws
- DEXA scan and X-ray
- ECG platform
- Gnotobiotic isolator bubbles and caging
- Hamilton Thorne (HT) XYClone® 20X precision lasers for embryo manipulations
- HT IVOS II animal and research CASA sperm analyzers
- Kent Scientific blood pressure monitors
LIMS integrated HT STAR Robotics System for genetic analysis - Nikon TI 2010 Inverted Microscope Microinjection systems
- Opto-Varimex 4 open field
- Piezo actuators for injection, IVF and ICSI
- SimPET M7 MRI/PET scanner
- SR-LAB acoustic startle chambers and passive avoidance chamber for behavior analysis
- VEXTA AXUM425-GN gait analysis system
- Y-maze and elevated plus maze (EPM) systems
Rates
For more details about the rate, please contact: 530-754-MBSR
Subsidized Rates for Cancer Center Members
Members of the cancer center receive priority access and subsidized rates for Shared Resources services. Not yet a member? Learn about the benefits and privileges of cancer center membership.
Request MBSR Services
The MBSR can accommodate unique service requests. Let us assist you and further your research. Fill out a request to use our services.
NOTE: A PPMS account is required. View our quick start guide for creating an account or set up an account.
Contact the MBSR
Director: Kent Lloyd, D.V.M., Ph.D.
Have questions about the Mouse Biology Shared Resource? Feel free to call 530-754-MBSR.
Location
UC Davis Mouse Biology Program
2795 2nd St, Suite 400
Davis, CA 95618
