Animal Models Shared Resource

The Animal Models Shared Resource (AMSR) provides a comprehensive approach for the generation, housing and analysis of animal models of human cancer. We offer services to cancer center members for the modification of the mouse genome through clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 as well as conventional gene targeting in embryonic stem cells, to generate conventional knockout and knock-in mouse lines and mouse lines with conditional alleles. In addition, we can generate transgenic mouse lines by conventional random transgene integration or targeted insertion of transgenes into safe harbor genomic loci to ensure stable gene expression. We also offer mouse reproductive services, including cryopreservation of sperm and embryos.

Our rodent barrier facility is part of Montefiore Einstein’s Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International -accredited animal care program and supplies specific pathogen-free rodent housing and a broad spectrum of animal husbandry services, including cesium source irradiation. Complete gross and histological evaluation of tissues and animal models is performed by the facility’s American College of Veterinary Pathology board certified veterinary pathologist.

We provide a robust array of xenograft methodologies for cell implantation and propagation of successful tumor grafts by serial transplantations, and support preclinical studies on novel anticancer agents in murine tumors as well as in human patient-derived tumor xenografts. An IVIS™ Spectrum in vivo imaging system is available for imaging of animals bearing tumors that express bioluminescent or far-red fluorescent proteins, allowing for noninvasive quantitation of tumor growth in mice.

Animal Models Shared Resource services can be reached at: