Service GEMM

The GEMMs Core Unit offers support to researchers at the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry and collaborators for the state-of-the-art design of novel genetic mouse models. Solutions are developed according to individual demands and requirements. To this end, the Core Unit provides expertise which covers the entire process from cloning of suitable targeting vectors to the manipulation of embryonic stem cells or one-cell stage embryos. Moreover, the Core Unit manages the Institute's collection of tool strains including mice carrying different floxed alleles, SSR drivers, reporter lines and other mouse genetic tools. All relevant strain-specific information with respect to mating, genotyping, maintenance and application are readily available via the Core Unit.

The unit provides the following services and support:

• Strategy design for the generation of genetic mouse models
• Cloning of suitable targeting vectors
• Manipulation of embryonic stem cells
• Establishment and initial validation of novel mouse lines
• High-throughput genotyping
• Maintenance of various:
  • floxed lines
  • cell/tissue type-specific SSR drivers
  • reporters (GFP, tomato, LacZ)
  • Cre-inducible optogenetic lines
• Rederivation by embryo transfer
• Archiving of mouse lines (cryopreservation)
• Supply of standard operating procedures (SOPs)