Genetically Engineered Mouse Phenotyping Core Facility

Krista M. D. La Perle, DVM, PhD, Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP)
Core Director
Telephone: (212) 746-1043
Fax: (212) 746-8847
E-mail: krl2002@med.cornell.edu

Research Animal Resource Center
Weill Medical College of Cornell University
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

Laboratory Animal Resource Center
The Rockefeller University

Purpose

The decoding of the human genome and advancements in scientists’ abilities to manipulate the mouse genome have resulted in the generation of countless mouse models of human disease and tools to dissect the function of specific genes. It is expected that the numbers of genetically engineered mice carrying transgenes, targeted mutations, and chemically-induced mutations will only continue to increase.

The Genetically Engineered Mouse (GEM) Phenotyping Core exists to serve investigators at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, the Rockefeller University, and the Weill Medical College of Cornell University by providing an extensive baseline phenotypic profile of genetically engineered mice. Such a comprehensive baseline characterization will be invaluable to investigators unfamiliar with normal mouse anatomy, histology, physiology and age- or strain-related background lesions. Furthermore, evaluating the entire mouse, as opposed to a specific tissue or organ system, will help to identify unanticipated phenotypic changes.

GEM Database

Services

Standard Genetically Engineered Mouse Phenotypic Profile

Other Services

Post mortem specimens from genetically engineered mice, or animals, tissues, and histology slides from other experimental studies may also be submitted for pathological evaluation.

The GEM Phenotyping Core has an MX-20 Faxitron (Faxitron X-ray Corporation, Wheeling, IL), which produces extremely high-resolution radiographs of small laboratory animals (mice and rats), as well as excised tissues and paraffin blocks. Specimens can be placed on adjustable shelves within a shielded and interlocked enclosure to obtain images magnified up to 5x. Use of the Faxitron is available to Investigators and their staff during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM in Room A-723 (WMC) for imaging of non-infectious specimens through the options below. Use of the Faxitron under special circumstances (i.e., removing it from Room A-723 or for use with infectious specimens) is negotiable and subject to prior approval by Dr. Krista La Perle.

Location

The GEM Phenotyping Core is located within the Research Animal Diagnostic Laboratory (RADL) on the 7th floor of the Weill Medical College of Cornell University:

1300 York Avenue
Room A-731
New York, NY 10021
Telephone: (212) 746-1024(5)
Fax: (212) 746-8847

Staff

Submission Process

Subcutaneous hemangiosarcomas in a P53 homozygous knockout mouse. Hematoxylin and Eosin, 40X. Courtesy of Dr. Krista La Perle.

A submission form, available for download in Adobe Acrobat format, should be filled out completely and submitted to Dr. La Perle by fax (212-746-8847). The resulting phenotypic profile will be greatly enhanced by the extent of the experimental details provided, including tissue- or age-specific gene expression and observed/expected phenotypes. The information provided will enable the GEM Phenotyping Core staff to recommend the age, gender and number of mice required to adequately characterize your mice. However, it is typically recommended that at least two male and two female mice of each genotype, approximately 8-12 weeks of age, be submitted alive.

You will be contacted by the GEM Phenotyping Core staff to arrange a date and time for your submission. Please do not submit animals unless prior arrangements have been made, as the laboratory cannot house live animals.

Fees

References & Related Links

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