Laboratory of Germline Modification

From left, front row: Koeman, Sisson, Swiatek, Ayotte; back row: Johnson, Lewis, Khoo

Scientific Overview

General Overview

This laboratory provides gene-targeting services in order to develop mouse models of human disease. These well-established and powerful techniques are used to insert specific genetic changes into the mouse genome so that the effect of these mutations can be studied. These changes can include the introduction of a gene into a specific site in the genome (gene knock-in) or the inactivation of a gene already present in the genome (gene knock-out). Since these mutations are introduced into the reproductive cells known as the “germline,” the mice can be bred and used to study the functions of a specific gene.  In addition, this laboratory offers mouse, rat, and human cytogenetic services such as spectral karyotyping (fluorescent chromosome painting), which can detect chromosomal aberrations, and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), which can localize specific genes in the cell.