Centre for Genome Engineering
Supporting 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.
Molecular Biology Services also offers CRISPR KO services for customer derived cell lines.
Custom CRISPR generated KI/KO/CKO mice pronuclear and ES cell generated
Since 2015 we have completed 60 nuclease projects consisting of CKO, KI and KO for 20 different research labs at the University of Calgary and University of Alberta.
- In vivo 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 completed 43 CRISPR gene knockout projects in 34 different genes in 25 different cell lines for multiple different labs at the University of Calgary and University of Alberta.
- Guide RNA design, construct and plasmid preparation
- Transfection with guide RNA, Cas9
- Use of selection markers such as puromycin and GFP to enrich for transfected cells
- CRISPR activity analysis: SURVEYOR mutation detection assay
- Single clone generation: sorting cells plus expansion
- Gene knock out confirmation by Western blot analysis
- Gene knock out confirmation by DNA sequencing
- Final deliverable: gene knock out cell line and a complete report
Contact us:
Robyn Flynn at molbiol@ucalgary.ca (Genotyping, molecular work)
Yaping Yu at yuy@ucalgary.ca (Custom somatic cell CRISPR KO service)
Cameron Fielding chfieldi@ucalgary.ca (General inquiries, mouse production, cryopreservation)
Shiying Liu sliu@ucalgary.ca (Cell line derivation)
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 molecular 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 mice within the reach of all investigators regardless of their specific training. The dedicated Molecular Services Facility within The Centre for Genome Engineering, gives a distinct advantage over other University CORE facilities in Canada and 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.