# Genetic Models

> **NIH NIH P20** · UNIV OF ARKANSAS FOR MED SCIS · 2021 · $190,435

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
 Each of the Project Leaders supported by the proposed Center for Musculoskeletal Disease Research
(CMDR) will require the generation of new genetically modified mice or cell lines to accomplish the goals of their
proposed studies. To serve the needs of this COBRE, a Genetic Models Core will be created by expanding an
existing transgenic mouse facility at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). This existing
facility has a strong record of producing transgenic mice. However, to meet the needs of the proposed CMDR, it
will be necessary to expand its capabilities by adding new technologies and personnel. This will be accomplished
in part using recently developed tools that are based on the CRISPR-Cas9 system to provide gene-editing
services in both mice and cell lines. This expansion of services will create a Genetic Models Core that, in addition
to meeting the needs of the COBRE Project Leaders, will provide new cutting-edge services to the research
communities at UAMS, its affiliated institutions, and across Arkansas. In Specific Aim 1, we propose to provide
state-of-the-art services for the generation and maintenance of genetically modified mice. Generation services
will include the design and creation of transgenic and gene-targeted mice by pronuclear injection. Maintenance
services will include sperm cryopreservation, in vitro fertilization, and strain rederivation. In Specific Aim 2, we
propose to develop new approaches and services that support genetic model creation and use. New services
needed by CMDR members, such as creation of genetically modified cell lines, will be developed. In addition,
Core personnel will continuously update gene-editing tools for cell and mouse modification via evaluation of
current literature and attendance at workshops and meetings. In Specific Aim 3, we propose to provide training
and education related to the use of genetic models. Project Leaders and other users will be trained to efficiently
and accurately produce experimental cohorts of genetically modified mice, and we will educate users on potential
problems that are often encountered with the use of such models. Core personnel will also educate the research
communities at UAMS and other campuses in Arkansas, about the services and technologies available through
the Genetic Models Core. The scientific theme of the proposed CMDR is that conditions that lead to deterioration
of the skeleton have a molecular basis whose identification will guide development of specific and effective
therapies. The Genetic Models Core is consistent with this theme in that it will allow Project Leaders to rapidly
and efficiently test the role of specific molecular changes in pathological processes the affect the skeleton or in
which the skeleton plays a major role, such as myeloma or breast cancer metastases.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10117261
- **Project number:** 5P20GM125503-04
- **Recipient organization:** UNIV OF ARKANSAS FOR MED SCIS
- **Principal Investigator:** CHARLES A O'BRIEN
- **Activity code:** P20 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $190,435
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-02-16 → 2023-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10117261

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10117261, Genetic Models (5P20GM125503-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10117261. Licensed CC0.

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