Mouse Genome Engineering Core Facility

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As one of the important scientific cores of the Center for the Molecular Biology of Neurosensory Systems, the goals of Mouse Genome Engineering Core facility (MGECF) are i) to serve all the needs of CoBRE investigators related to the design and creation of transgenic and knockout mouse models, ii) undertake technological research to continuously Improve genetic engineering methods and iii) to provide education and training opportunities to students, researchers and faculty. MGECF was supported by CoBRE during its Phase I at which time the facility was in the initial stages of development. By the end of Phase I the facility was fully functional in creating the mouse models by employing standard mouse embryo manipulation techniques such as microinjection and transferring into pseudo-pregnant females. During the CoBRE phase II period the facility has achieved significant accomplishments: i) started offering critical services such as the design and building of transgenic and targeting vectors that were done previously by the investigators; ii) initiated many other services such as mouse genotyping and speed congenics; iii) acquired additional equipment and personnel and provided training to enhance their overall skills (both scientific and administrative); and iv) initiated research on the most advanced genome engineering methods to validate them for offering as new services. Notably, the MGECF is among the first three such core facilities in the nation that started offering'the genome editing service TALENs (Transcription Activator Like Effector Nucleases). The core almost tripled its user base in 2010 and has maintained it at that level since then. It has has successfully increased its revenue in the recent three years, becoming less dependent of CoBRE support and demonstrating its capability to become sustainable in the future. This core facility is one of the most critical core facilities in the region that serves many investigators across three different institutes. Because of necessity as well as its remarkable success, the MGECF is supported by the UNMC office of the Vice Chancellor for Research. Additionally, the VCR office has a strong commitment to provide support beyond Phase III of CoBRE support.