PROJECT SUMMARY – TRANSGENIC The mission of the Transgenic Shared Resource (TGC) is to provide Salk Cancer Center (SCC) members access to cutting-edge technologies for creating genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs). GEMMs are critical tools that enable researchers to model human cancer, to analyze and functionally manipulate specific genes, and to test potential therapeutic interventions. Established in 1994 with CCSG and Institutional funds, the facility remains relevant to SCC researchers today. On average, the TGC serves 42% (13/31) of SCC members annually who are responsible for 74% of all TGC services based on recharges. The TGC provides services for state-of- the-art genome editing and to generate and maintain transgenic mice. These include: 1) the microinjection of DNA constructs, CRISPR/Cas9, and lentiviral vectors into early mouse embryos, 2) microinjection of gene- targeted mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells into blastocysts, 3) in-vitro fertilization , 4) embryo and sperm cryopreservation, 5) re-derivation of mouse lines provided from non-standard sources, 6) gene targeting in mouse ES cells, 7) targeting vector design and construction, 8) de novo derivation of ES cell lines, and 9) ES cell expansion and preparation for microinjection. In addition, the TGC offers services for the injection of human ES cell lines and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines into immunodeficient mice to assess their ability to form teratomas. The TGC develops new techniques and applications and provides immediate access to individuals with prior knowledge of transgenic and knock out mouse models. For those lacking experience, the TGC provides individual consultations, as well as group meetings, to discuss strategies for model development and recent innovations in transgenic and gene targeting technologies that may be relevant to the researcher’s goals. Overall, the transgenic and gene-targeting services provided by the TGC greatly increase the pace at which mouse models can be generated, and at significantly lower cost, than commercial sources. All activities of the TGC are overseen by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).