Genetics and Model Systems Core
The Genetics and Model Systems Core of the Center for Cell Signaling in Gastroenterology is a central repository for genetics-based tools and model systems expertise and supports faculty research through three primary objectives:
- Accelerating research by connecting and educating faculty about genetics and model systems tools
- Delivering new genetics and model systems tools and technologies that are needed by faculty
- Establishing cutting-edge genetic tools for genome editing, including zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), TALENs, Cas9 Custom Restriction Enzyme Systems (CRISPRs) and locus-specific genome editing tools that can be applied to model organism development, including cell lines, zebrafish, rats, mice and drosophila
Director
The director of the Genetics and Model Systems Core is Stephen C. Ekker, Ph.D.
Services
The Genetics and Model Systems Core offers a variety of services, primarily to Center for Cell Signaling in Gastroenterology faculty and their laboratory members, including:
- Designing, constructing and validating custom plasmids and other DNA vectors.
- Making custom genome engineering reagents, including TALENs, transposons, bacterial artificial chromosomes and CRISPRs.
- Providing consults and training on a variety of topics, including rodent and zebrafish transgenic and knockout model development support; viral delivery of siRNA; transposons for somatic genetic engineering; and in vivo imaging.
- Providing Zeiss Lightsheet microscope access and training. This is a state-of-the-art microscope that provides fast imaging of large specimens, including model systems such as zebrafish, mice and 3-D cultured cells.
Access
Researchers outside of Mayo Clinic may access Genetics and Model Systems Core TALEN services or training by emailing requests to rstcsig@mayo.edu.