A fertilized mouse egg with two visible pronuclei being held in place by a glass pipette and a glass needle filled with DNA to be injected into one of the pronuclei. The injected linear DNA construct may randomly integrate into the mouse genome to generate a transgenic mouse which can be used as an animal model to study wide-ranging roles of genes in development and disease pathology.

The Rodent Genetic Engineering Core (RGEC) generates mouse models for research via DNA injection or ES cell injection. Rederivation of all mouse strains imported to NYULMC is accomplished through a concerted effort between the Transgenic Core and DLAR. We offer sperm and embryo cryopreservation services to our users to save time, money and mouse space by freezing their valuable strains. We also offer IVF services using fresh or cryopreserved sperm samples. Frozen sperm and embryos can be shipped to collaborators in lieu of sending live mice; we also import fresh and/or frozen embryos for use in rederivations - this effort saves investigators time and additional costs by eliminating the need for quarantining their imported animals..

ES cell targeting services are also offered through the Rodent Genetic Engineering Core. In addition to targeting any ES cell line of choice (electroporation, selection and cryopreservation of ES cell clones), we can thaw and expand previously targeted clones for injection.