Our Research

Michigan Animal Model Consortium (MAMC) Services

aaalac accredited If you’re looking to outsource mouse modeling services, the Michigan Animal Model Consortium (MAMC) at Van Andel Research Institute (VARI) is ready to become your single point-of-service site for animal model research.

The MAMC is directed by the VARI Germline Modification lab; MAMC labs receive funding from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Michigan Technology Tri-Corridor/Michigan Life Science Corridor (MTTC/MLSC).

Animal Model Development

  • Mouse transgenics  – Transgenic technology is used to produce genetically engineered mice and rats expressing foreign genes and serving as models for human disease research. Transgenic technology uses microinjection to deliver the foreign DNA into the pronucleus of a one-cell fertilized egg. Service is provided using various strains of laboratory mice, with production of three transgenic founder mice guaranteed from each procedure.
  • Gene targeting  – By transfecting mouse embryonic stem cells with inactivating, homologous DNAs, target gene expression can be shut down. Genetically engineered mice are produced by microinjecting mutant stem cells into mouse embryos and breeding the progeny to mutant homozygosity. This service is provided using 129 or C57BL/6 embryonic stem cells.
  • Xenotransplantation  – Human cancer cells are injected into immunodeficient mice to produce human-derived tumors. Protocols are designed to test anti-tumor treatment regimens that can lead to prognostic, diagnostic, or therapeutic procedures in humans.

Animal Model Analysis

  • Cytogenetics  – Mouse and rat chromosomal abnormalities and genetic loci are visually observed using Giemsa stain, SKY, and FISH techniques.
  • Blood analysis  – VetScan instrumentation is used to perform differential cell counts and biochemical analysis of mouse blood.
  • Necropsy – Mice are dissected post-mortem and tissues are fixed for histological analysis. Necropsy reports are generated using voice-recognition software.
  • Imaging & Microscopy – Histological sections are prepared from mouse tissues using microtomes and cryostats, processed and stained using automated instruments, and then microscopically analyzed.
  • Veterinary pathology – A board-certified veterinary pathologist holding the D.V.M. and Ph.D. degrees provides expert microscopic analysis and project consultation.
  • DNA isolation – DNA is isolated from mouse tail biopsies using the AutoGenprep 960 instrument.

Animal Model Maintenance and Preservation

  • Mouse rederivation – All mouse strains entering the specific pathogen–free breeding facility are rederived to specific pathogen–free mouse status using embryo transfer techniques. Application Form
  • Animal housing services  – Mice are housed in a specific pathogen–free vivarium.
  • Animal technical services – Veterinary services such as injections, measurements, mating set-up, and tail biopsies are performed by the animal technician staff.
  • Contract breeding services – Wild-type mouse strains and genetically engineered animal models are maintained for research purposes by breeding the strains in a specific pathogen–free environment.
  • Embryo/sperm cryopreservation  – Genetically engineered mice are preserved for archival purposes, disease control, genetic stability, and economic efficiency using germplasm cryopreservation techniques.
  • Cancer model repository – Mouse cancer models of research interest are maintained through breeding strategies.