Research at Fox Chase »Research Facilities »Animal Research

Harry Rozmiarek, DVM, PhD Director Anthony Lerro, BS, LATG Microbiologist Assistant Director Jacquelyn Valvardi, BS, ALAT Facility Manager

Reimann Building, Room A299 215-728-2178 215-728-5387 215-728-3623 Jackie.Valvardi@fccc.edu Anthony.Lerro@fccc.edu

Function

The Genetic Monitoring Facility functions to protect the genetic integrity of the inbred strains and transgenic lines of rodents utilized in the various research programs at Fox Chase. Rodents used in today's biomedical research must not only be free of disease that may influence experimental results, but also be well-defined in terms of their genetic makeup. This is especially true with the increasing use of transgenic mice in most areas of biomedical research. The genetic monitoring program has been designed to:

1. construct genetic profiles for each strain/line maintained in the breeding colonies and provide routine genetic surveillance of the various strains for compliance to their profiles
2. provide for rigid enforcement of proper genetic management procedures within the breeding colonies. The genetic profile of a particular strain is composed of a set of genetic markers, which uniquely defines the strain and differentiates it from other inbred strains

At present, we monitor 18 different loci located on 11 different chromosomes. All biochemical, serological and molecular biological testing is carried out by a trained research specialist in the genetic monitoring laboratory. Isozyme typing is done by electrophoretic separation on cellulose acetate, Igh allotyping by ELISA and H-2 typing by hemagglutination. In addition, microsatellite analysis of mouse strains is done utilizing PCR techniques. PCR methodology and Southern blots are used to monitor transgenic lines for the presence or absence of the transgene. A skin grafting program monitors major, as well as minor, histocompatibility loci, which are distributed over a large portion of the mouse genome. This type of biological monitoring is important in that it can detect subtle changes in the genome that may be missed by laboratory testing. New matings in the foundation colonies are routinely analyzed for compliance to their respective genetic profiles. Random samples are also taken from production matings and stock for genetic analysis. The facility ensures the genetic integrity of research breeding colonies, as well as all imported mice, and provides genetic testing and breeding colony maintenance services to Fox Chase research programs and the Transgenic Mouse Facility. The daily operation of the breeding colonies is handled by personnel trained and experienced in genetic management and record keeping. In addition, the facility geneticist and his staff continuously monitors the activities in these colonies. All of the breeding, production and genetic monitoring records have been computerized. These computerized records enable us to closely monitor breeding performance, pedigree lines and utilization of the various inbred strains and lines.

Description

The facility occupies a standard laboratory containing specialized equipment including a thermal cycler, gel and cellulose acetate electrophoresis apparatus, plate readers and an ultracentrifuge. This equipment is used for the biochemical, immunological, and molecular biological testing required to monitor the genetic integrity of the rodents utilized in the various research programs at Fox Chase.