| What type of samples should I collect? |
| For most services, we recommend collecting tail tips 0.5cm in length, but other samples types such as toe or ear clips are also acceptable. Our preferred processing method is to immerse freshly collected samples into 70% ethanol and then refrigerate. This method typically provides the highest quality of DNA; however, we can also accept dry refrigerated or frozen samples. Expression testing may require alternative tissue types depending on the specific research requirements. For more information, please contact us at gts@crl.com. |
.
| How do I send samples for testing? |
| Once samples are collected into whatever format is convenient for you, we recommend shipping the samples via an overnight delivery service. To make this process more convenient, we offer a pre-packaged 96-well plate sample submission kit that includes everything you need to get your samples to us. For more information, please review our sample submission guidelines or contact us at gts@crl.com. |
| When can I send samples for testing? |
| Our genetic testing facility accepts delivery of samples Monday - Friday. As samples cannot be accepted on Saturday or Sunday, please take this into account when planning your shipping schedule. |
| When can I expect my results? |
| PCR test results are reported in approximately five business days after sample receipt provided the protocol has been previously established by our laboratory. Results from our DNA profile/characterization testing such as background strain analysis and our MAX-BAX® speed congenics service are available in one to two weeks. Zygosity and expression testing results are available within two weeks provided an assay is already in place. |
| How do I get my results? |
| We offer result reporting via email, fax, mail, or through our dedicated internet portal ILIMS. |
| pcr/q-pcr genotyping questions |
| How should I decide between PCR and Q-PCR genotyping? |
- PCR assays can determine zygosity of knockouts, knock-ins, and point mutants. They can also determine carrier status (but not zygosity) of transgenics.
- Q-PCR assays can determine zygosity (hemizygote versus homozygote) of a transgenic. They can also be used to determine transgene copy number.
|
| Can I provide you with my genotyping protocol? |
| Yes. We can accept and optimize your assay for use in our laboratory. When we receive the protocol, we will perform a transfer and validation study to ensure the efficacy and utility of the assay prior to testing production samples. To discuss further details of your assay, please contact us at gts@crl.com. |
| Can you develop an assay for me? |
| Yes. Our genetic testing laboratory scientists have the experience and expertise necessary to develop a genotyping protocol that will suit your needs. |
| Can I obtain a copy of the assay you are using to test my animals? |
| If we develop or optimize an assay for you, we will gladly share it with you. However, if we are using one of our already developed in-house assays, these are not made available. |
| I don't have a genotyping assay and I need testing immediately. How can you help? |
Many vectors designed for mutant models use the same well-characterized elements: selectable markers, reporter genes, and Cre recombinase. Our genotyping laboratory has developed and optimized assays for the most common elements (listed below), allowing for immediate testing of samples that carry them.
- CMV promotor
- Cre
- GFP
- Hygromycin
- LacZ
- Luciferase
- Neomycin
- TET
- YFP
|
| speed congenics (max-bax®) questions |
| How many animals should I test for MAX-BAX®? |
| In each generation, the percent of recipient strain in the offspring will vary around the average as a bell-shaped curve. It is necessary to provide a sufficiently large sample set so that the animals with high levels of recipient DNA have a good chance of being detected. Statistical simulations show 16 animals to be an effective number, but in practice, good results can be obtained with 10 animals per generation. For more information, please read our Guidelines for Breeding Animals for MAX-BAX®. |
| When should I start testing animals for MAX-BAX®? |
| If the colony you are backcrossing is on a hybrid background (i.e., B6/129) and the desired background is one of strains in the mix (i.e., B6), performing MAX-BAX® at the F1 generation can identify animals with a higher than average percentage of the desired background. However, if the colony is already on a defined background, the F1 progeny will all carry 50% of the desired background, so there is no advantage to performing MAX-BAX® at this point. In this case, MAX-BAX® should begin at the N2 generation. For more information, please read our Guidelines for Breeding Animals for MAX-BAX® or contact us at gts@crl.com.
|
| Should I test males or females for MAX-BAX®? |
| In general, we recommend testing males because they can be harem mated, allowing for more rapid generation of sufficient numbers of offspring for the next generation of testing. However, it is generally necessary to backcross one round of females in order to fix the Y chromosome. If the gene is X-linked, all the animals being assayed for backcrossing must be female. Form more information, please read our Guidelines for Breeding Animals for MAX-BAX®. |
| Can I get the MAX-BAX® microsatellite primer sets? |
| No. While we are happy to assist you in your backcrossing efforts by providing the MAX-BAX® service, the primer sets that we have developed are proprietary and are not available for sale or distribution. |
| background strain characterization questions |
| How can I determine the exact genetic background of my model? |
| We suggest using our 96-110 marker microsatellite panels. The microsatellite markers are highly polymorphic between inbred strains and can precisely determine the genetic background of your model. |
| I'm concerned that my inbred or congenic strain has been contaminated with another background. How can you help? |
| We offer 32 marker single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panels that can detect gross genetic contaminations in an inbred or congenic colony. These panels are also used to ensure the genetic integrity of our commercially available research models. |
| expression testing questions |
| Can you perform expression testing for a single gene or a panel of genes? |
| Yes. Using our fluorescence-based TaqMan® technology we can assess expression of a single gene or a panel of 12-384 targets on custom or pre-selected Applied Biosystems TaqMan® Low-Density Arrays. |
| What types of tissues can you test for gene expression levels? |
| We can isolate RNA for expression testing from a variety of soft tissues, including brain, liver, kidney, and lung or fibrous tissues like heart and muscle. Please contact us at gts@crl.com for sample submission guidelines. |