About the Core

In 1993, the Transgenic Mouse / Embryonic Stem Cell Shared Resource was established at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. The objective of the Transgenic Mouse/ES Cell Shared Resource is to assist investigators in the production and use of transgenic and gene knockout mice and strives to provide services at prices that are both below those that are commercially available, and that are either difficult or impossible to obtain elsewhere. By having a single centralized facility, VUMC is able to provide these technologies to a larger base of investigators, and at a lower price than would otherwise be possible. Other advantages are quality control, the ability to develop new techniques and applications, the increased potential for collegial interactions, and immediate access to individuals with knowledge of dealing with transgenic mice.

Our facility is located within a pathogen free barrier system so that the mice generated are as "clean" as possible. Only animals from suppliers known to be pathogen free are allowed into the barrier. Barrier maintenance procedures are strictly enforced such as using only microisolator cages which are changed within a laminar flow hood by trained personnel wearing gowns, gloves and booties. Cages, bedding, water bottles, etc. are autoclaved into the facility. Core personnel do not interact with other lab animals prior to access into the barrier facilities.