Genomic Engineering Shared Resource

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT: GENETIC ENGINEERING SHARED RESOURCE The exploration of gene and protein function — both at the individual gene and protein level and on a genome-wide scale - is integral to cancer research and to the ultimate goal of devising effective and personalized therapeutics. Such explorations demand not only appropriate genomic resources, but also physiologically relevant, genetically engineered cell and animal models. The Genetic Engineering Shared Resource (GESR) of the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center (DLDCCC) is constructed to meet the needs of Cancer Center investigators wishing to use experimentally demanding, state-of-the-art cell and mouse cancer models that require specialized techniques and a high degree of experimental ingenuity. The primary focus of the GESR is to provide DLDCCC investigators with highly customizable CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing services in cells of their choice, from primary cells and established cell lines to cancer patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) and in the mouse germline. Our genome editing services are comprehensive, starting with genome editing project design and ending with allele validation. Additional services for cell model production include reprogramming of patient-derived cancer cells into iPSC, generation of shRNA/cDNA/gRNA expressing cancer cell lines, and distribution of shRNA/cDNA clones and a Lenti-CRISPR-sgRNA library for DLDCCC investigators to generate their own cell models. Additional services for mouse model production include traditional and bacterial artificial chromosome transgenics and mouse embryonic stem cell-based gene targeting and chimera production. Moreover, we offer the latest in available mouse imaging modalities, including PET/SPECT/CT, X-Ray, MRI, NMR, luminescence, fluorescence, and ultrasound, to facilitate studies involving genetically engineered mice. Finally, to facilitate maintenance of cell and mouse models used by DLDCCC investigators, we provide cryopreservation and cryostorage services. By housing these resources in a single, cohesive Shared Resource, the GESR allows investigators to employ a myriad of genetic engineering platforms that are often cost- and labor-prohibitive or simply not feasible for individual laboratories. This synergistic combination of expertise and resources makes GESR an invaluable asset to the DLDCCC.