The Mutant Mouse Resource and Research Center at The Jackson Laboratory

ABSTRACT/PROJECT SUMMARY This application proposes a renewal of the Mouse Mutant Resource and Research Center (MMRRC) at The Jackson Laboratory (JAX). Highly sophisticated genome engineering technologies, a well-characterized genome, mammalian physiology, and economical husbandry requirements make laboratory mice the mainstay of biomedical research on disease mechanisms and disease modeling. The NIH has recognized that the potential impact of genetically engineered mice for biomedical research cannot be fully realized without a centralized effort to identify, archive, evaluate, characterize, and distribute valuable strains of mice to qualified biomedical researchers. The MMRRC provides this centralized repository function. With over 94 years of mouse genetics and resource experience, JAX joined the MMRRC in 2009 and has since been a key member of the consortium. This proposal requests ongoing support for JAX as one of the four MMRRC core repositories. As a member of the MMRRC consortium, JAX will contribute to the development and improvement of consortium-wide standard operating procedures. The MMRRC at JAX will follow these mutually agreed upon standard operating procedures to fulfill the goals of importation, archiving (through cryopreservation of sperm and/or embryos), and distribution of biomedically important strains of mice and related materials. The MMRRC at JAX also provides related services on a fee-for-service basis and conducts high-risk, high-return research and model development projects that align with the overall goals of the consortium.