Gene Editing and Mouse Models Assessment (GEMMA) Core

GEMMA Core: Summary The primary goal of the Gene Editing and Mouse Models Assessment (GEMMA) Core is to provide COBRE project leaders and their staff access to facilities, expertise and training essential to execution of their projects and establishing their research programs at the MRI. The GEMMA Core will also support non-COBRE faculty and projects at the MRI and other institutions in Montana, increasing research capacity in the region by providing access to transgenic, genotyping and neurobehavior services, consultation and training for mouse colony maintenance and gene editing, and access to a shared research environment for conducting basic and translational studies in a mentored environment. Three specific aims are proposed to accomplish the overall goal: 1) provide transgenic and genotyping services needed to successfully execute experiments involving mice; 2) provide mouse colony management and training; and 3) develop a state-of-the-art mouse phenotyping service in a shared research environment. This application is significant because it will provide a unique combination of services, facilities and expertise to COBRE projects and other investigators working with mouse models across the region, which will increase their success in obtaining independent NIH funding and performing impactful research that advances our understanding of health and disease. It is innovative because it delivers these resources to scientists in the northern Rocky Mountain front and surrounding area in a collaborative research environment and provides employment opportunities in the field of biomedical research in an underserved region. In addition, the shared research laboratory, neurobehavior and phenotyping facilities provide a supportive environment and novel model across the spectrum of “research readiness” to spur research expansion while also implementing innovative mouse handling techniques of compassionate care that minimize stress-related behaviors. The GEMMA Core is integral to the success of our COBRE program and maintaining a sustainable Center of Excellence in the long-term.