Centre for Genome Engineering
CGE - Supports investigators by delivering a comprehensive turn-key service incorporating all of the necessary tools to create, analyze and cryopreserve transgenic mice.
CRISPR Projects
In association with our Embryonic Stem Cell and Transgenic Core Services, Molecular Biology Services offers designing, construction and preparation of vectors for the generation of genetically engineered mice or custom somatic cell lines.
Molecular Biology Services offers CRISPR KO services for customer derived cell lines and CRISPR KI/KO/CKO in mouse lines.
Custom CRISPR generated KI/KO/CKO mice pronuclear and ES cell generated
Since 2014 we have completed 16 nuclease projects consisting of CKO, KI and KO for 12 different research labs at the University of Calgary and University of Alberta.
- Design, construction and preparation of CRISPR/Cas9, crRNA, tRNA
- In vivo/In vitro testing of guides for cutting efficacy
- Microinjection into single cell or two cell mouse embryo
- Larger constructs targeted into ROSA via ES cell targeting or pronuclear injections
- Founder screening and breeding
- Genotyping
Custom Somatic Cell CRISPR Gene Knock-out in as little as 3 months
Since 2016 we have knocked out 13 different genes in 16 different cell lines for 7 different labs.
- Design, construction and preparation of CRISPR/Cas9
- Transfection of cells with CRISPR/Cas9
- Cell analysis: population and individual clones
- Isolation of knock-out cell lines
- Western confirmed KO
Contact us:
Ken Ito at kito@ucalgary.ca ( CRISPR KI/KO/CKO in mice)
Yaping Yu at yuy@ucalgary.ca (custom somatic cell CRISPR KO service)
Cameron Fielding transgen@ucalgary.ca (general inquiries)
Molecular Services
Offering designing, construction and preparation of vectors for the generation of genetically engineered mice.
ES Cell Services
Offering a number of services to accommodate your mES cell mutagenesis/transgenesis requirements.
Transgenic Services
Offering a comprehensive list of transgenic services including rederivation, cryopreservation and line rescue.
Goals of the Centre for Genome Engineering
Enabling knowledge of human and animal health through mouse-based investigative medicine
The development of genetically engineered mouse models using transgenic and embryonic stem cell technologies has been a cornerstone of key scientific discoveries for over 30 years, but available only to elite groups. Increasingly, the techniques are becoming more broadly applicable and essential for routine inquiry. One significant barrier to many researchers wanting to utilize this technology is their lack of expertise in molecular biology, an essential component to the generation of novel mouse models.
Our turn-key facility has the ability to fully support the needs of researchers, including those with limited experience. Through our in-house expertise, we offer a full spectrum operation to help scientists with developing unique models.
Our goal is to bring the construction and use of transgenic animals within the reach of all investigators regardless of their specific training. The Centre for Mouse Genomics has the distinct advantage over other labs in Canada with a Molecular Facility dedicated to transgenics, that places our investigators in a unique position to advance their research and become global leaders in their fields.
The CGE is comprised of three integrated components: Embryonic Stem Cell Facility, Transgenic Mouse Facility and a newly created Molecular Biology Facility. These combined facilities provide an enhanced, comprehensive and coordinated means for investigators to effectively generate, study and archive genetically engineered mouse models. The CGE is overseen by a scientific directorship led by Dr. Derrick Rancourt and Dr. Frank Jirik.
Our technologies include: CRISPR KO Modification in Custom Somatic Cell Lines and CRISPR KI/KO/CKO in Murine Models, BAC recombineering, Embryonic Stem Cell (ESC) Gene Targeting, Targeting ZFN/TALEN Nucleases, BAC Transgenics, Gene Knockouts, Knock-Ins, and Conditionals, Embryo and Sperm Cryopreservation, Custom ESC and iPSC generation. Our Molecular Facility can assist in vector design and construction, PCR trouble shooting and genotyping of difficult lines and general consultation.
We also work directly with the Mouse Rederivation Facility (MRF) on main campus to allow researchers to bring in mouse lines that would not normally be allowed onto campus because of a compromised health status.
See link to Research Enhancement Program if you qualify for funding assistance from the Cumming School of Medicine for your project.
Contact us at transgen@ucalgary.ca for information regarding your project.
Services Offered
These are some of the services that the CGE can offer your lab. Additional services may be available upon request.