Support for RGC grants needing transgenic or knockout/knockin mice
Dear Colleagues,
As we all start writing our RGC grants, I send this message to those who are considering or may need help with generating transgenic/knockout mice. As you may be aware, I am running the Transgenic Core Facility (TCF).
The TCF has been running since 1999, initially under the support of RGC Central Allocation Vote for group research. Since its establishment the TCF has generated more than 44 different knockout mice and >50 transgenic lines of mice. The TCF has now supported the transgenic/knockout aspects for 23 RGC-funded projects, three RGC Central Allocation projects and the AoE programme Developmental Genomics & Skeletal Research.
The following information may be helpful to you if you are considering making genetically modified mice and would like TCF support. Prof. Cheah and the TCF team provide help with designing the targeting vectors, provision of reagents. For KOs, the cost includes generating the ES clones for up to three electroporations, selection of ES clones for screening, karyotyping targeted clones; generation of chimeras from two clones (up to 10 blastocyst injections total). At least 3-5 chimeras will be needed for breeding for germline transmission. The PI will be responsible for making the targeting vectors, genotyping/Southern blot analysis of the picked ES clones, and genotyping mice using tail tips provided by the TCF.
If you would like the support of the TCF for making KOs, we advise that the cost of $100,000 and should be added to the budget of your grant proposal. The cost is to cover consumable supplies for making the mice, animals and part of the salary cost. This arrangements is very cost effective considering the separate cost in terms of time and expertise that would be involved if the PI were to recruit and have trained, a separate researcher to perform the technically challenging task of producing knockouts. Costs for other services and making transgenics is less, and interested PIs may contact Prof Cheah for information. Some prices may be found at http://www.hku.hk/biochem/research/tcf/prices.html
We will also provide you with a supporting letter to enclose with your grant application.
Yours sincerely,
Kathy Cheah PhD
Department of Biochemistry
The University of Hong Kong
3/F Laboratory Block Faculty of Medicine Building
21, Sassoon Rd, Hong Kong
Last updated: August 10, 2010