SERVICES

Retina. Rachel Wong

Promoter transgenes drive expression of a reporter or other gene of interest in a tissue or cell-type specific manner. Promoter transgenes integrate in random positions within the genome.

KNOCK-OUT AND KNOCK-IN GENE TARGETING VECTORS

Gene targeting vectors introduce mutations into endogenous loci by homologous recombination in ES cells. Mutation strategies include deletion of functional domains or translational start sites, introduction of frame shifts that terminate translation, deletion of entire genes, or insertion of reporters.

CONDITIONAL PROMOTER TRANSGENES AND GENE TARGETING VECTORS

Conditional gene modifications use the site-specific recombinase systems Cre-loxP or Flp-FRT to irreversibly inactivate (or activate) gene function in tissue or cell-type specific manners. Conditional approaches overcome the embryonic lethality associated with some germline null mutations or over-expression of a gene of interest. Gene expression is controlled by the interaction of Cre or Flp recombinase with a “floxed” or “frted” target gene using a dual transgenic mouse system.

BAC TRANSGENES

Host sequences surrounding the transgene integration site can modify transgene expression; causing it to be weak, undetectable, or expressed in only a subset of expected cells or tissues. BAC transgenes can be used to ensure position-independent expression of the gene of interest by providing all regulatory sequences needed on a large (~150 – 200kb) segment of genomic DNA.

CUSTOM SERVICES

Custom services such as site-directed mutagenesis, protein expression vectors, and zebrafish transgenes are also available. Please inquire.