Rat Resource and Research Center

描述（由申请人提供）：本提案的总体目标是继续和扩展大鼠资源和研究中心（RRRC）的功能和能力，为生物医学研究人员提供他们研究所需的大鼠模型、胚胎干细胞、相关试剂和方案。在过去的两年中，生物医学界已经开发了几种技术来在大鼠中进行靶向突变（例如，敲除和敲入）。因此，基因工程大鼠模型的数量和使用大鼠模型进行生物医学研究的研究人员的数量可能会急剧增加。RRRC为生物医学界进口、储存和分发大量大鼠品系提供了独特的储存库服务；以及进行研究，以改进资源中心的功能。除了动物储存库、冷冻储存和分布功能外，RRRC还建议扩展其功能，以协助研究人员使用新的大鼠基因靶向技术以及与这些技术相关的独特挑战。RRRC将通过提供靶向和胚胎干细胞培养方案以及大鼠基因靶向的技术培训来实现这一目标。通过扩大我们的服务，RRRC将成为生物医学研究人员在生物医学研究中使用大鼠的急需资源。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The overall goal of this proposal is to continue and expand the functions and capabilities of the Rat Resource and Research Center (RRRC) to provide biomedical investigators with the rat models, ES cells, related reagents and protocols they require for their research. In the last two years the biomedical community has developed several technologies to make targeted mutations (e.g., knock-outs and knock-ins) in rats. As a result the number of genetically engineered rat models and the number of investigators using rat models for biomedical research is likely to increase dramatically. The RRRC provides a unique repository service to the biomedical community for importing, storing and distributing a vast number of rat strains; as well as performing research that improves the function of the Resource Center. In addition to the animal repository, cryostorage, and distribution functions, the RRRC proposes to expand its function to assist investigators in the use of new rat gene targeting technologies and the unique challenges associated with these. The RRRC will do this by providing protocols for targeting and ES cell culture along with technical training in rat gene targeting. By expanding our services, the RRRC will serve as a much-needed resource for biomedical research investigators using rats in biomedical research.