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.


Services

Genetically Engineered Mouse Phenotyping
This includes one or more of the following:

• Hematology
  • Complete Blood Count
  • White Blood Cell Differential
• Clinical Chemistry
  • 27 Biochemical Assay
• Urinalysis
  
  • Specific Gravity
  • Colorimetric Test for 10 Parameters
  • Sediment Analysis
• Survey Radiographs
  
  • Lateral and Dorsal-Ventral Views
• Gross Necropsy
  
  • Whole Mouse and Parenchymal Organ Weights
• Extensive Microscopic Evaluation
  • Digital Images of Macroscopic and Microscopic Lesions
  • Electronic Report
    
  • Interpretive Summary
  • Recommendations for Ancillary
    Analyses

	Subcutaneous hemangiosarcomas in a P53 Homozygous knockout mouse. Hematoxylin and eosin, 40X. Courtesy of Krista La Perle, DVM, PhD

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.

In addition, complete histology services including tissue processing, paraffin embedding, sectioning and staining with routine stains such as hematoxylin & eosin and special histochemical stains are available. Unstained tissue sections specially processed and prepared for immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization (to be performed by investigator) are also available upon request.
B 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.


Submission Process

A submission form, available for download in Adobe Acrobat format, should be filled out completely and submitted to the GEM Phenotyping Core by fax (646-422-0139). 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.

Download the GEM Online Submission Form

References

Contact

The GEM Phenotyping Core is located within the Laboratory of Comparative Pathology (LCP) at: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Zuckerman Research Center 415 E. 68th St., Z-940 Telephone: (646) 888-2422 Fax: (646) 422-0139