MDACC Laboratory Animal Genetic Services

Overview of Services

Laboratory Animal Genetic Services (LAGS) provides MD Anderson investigators with cost-effective, customized genome scans using polymorphic genetic markers to support rapid congenic line development and background strain characterization for mice and rats. Free consultation on rodent genetics is also provided by this core facility. We also offer infectious diseases testing for multiple agents affecting laboratory animals, particularly mice and rats. Sample collection from fecal samples, harvested tissue and swabs can be used to obtain DNA for testing. Tests for other infectious agents can also be developed and implemented according to the specific needs of your animal colony. Please contact Fernando Benavides for a consultation to develop a strategy for testing the new agent.

Why We Are Important

Despite the availability of new genome editing techniques, many genetically modified lines are maintained on a mixed genetic background; particularly those developed using ES cells. Another problematic scenario is the use of inducible and conditional systems involving lines with different backgrounds (e.g., cre-expressing lines crossed with floxed alleles). Hence, it is essential to pay attention to the background issue, since it is now well documented that the genetic background (including the presence of undesirable “passenger” mutations) greatly influences the phenotype of transgenic, KO, and KI models (see References under Links & Resources). Further, investigators frequently need to create congenic lines to study the effects of a particular allele in a different strain. Genome scans using multiple, informative genetic markers (e.g., microsatellites and SNPs) represent the state-of-the-art in defining genetic background.

Leadership

Fernando Benavides, DVM, PhD, DACLAM
Professor/Director, Lab Animal Genetic Services
fbenavid@mdanderson.org

Location and hours of operation

Hours	Location
8am - 5pm, M-F	MD Anderson Cancer Center, Unit 110. 1515 Holcombe Blv. Houston, TX 77030

Links and Resources

Contacts

Name	Role	Phone	Email	Location
Fernando Benavides, DVM, PhD, DACLAM	Professor/Director, Lab Animal Genetic Services		fbenavid@mdanderson.org	Houston
Carlos J. Perez, DVM, PhD	Sr. Research Scientist		cjperez@mdanderson.org	Houston

Services

Name	Description	Price
Background characterization of GEM and ES cells (100 SNPs panel)	Priced per-sample. Tail snips (or other tissues) are preferred for this request. If only DNA is available, please supply at least 300ul at 30 ng/uL.	Inquire
Background characterization of GEM and ES cells (MiniMUGA 10K SNPs panel)	Priced per-sample. Only tail snips (or other tissues) are accepted for this request. DNA is NOT accepted.	Inquire
C57BL/6J versus C57BL/6N sub-strain identification with a 245 SNP assay.	Priced per-sample. Only tail snips (or other tissues) are accepted for this request. DNA is NOT accepted.	Inquire
Genotyping for knock-out and knock-in mice generated by CRISPR/Cas9	Priced per-sample.	Inquire
Marker (SNPs) assisted backcrossing (speed congenics) (<50 SNPs) N3-N5 mice	Priced per-sample. Tail snips (or other tissues) are preferred for this request. If only DNA is available, please supply at least 150uL at 30 ng/uL.	Inquire
Marker (SNPs) assisted backcrossing (speed congenics) (100 SNPs panel) N2 mice	Priced per-sample. Tail snips (or other tissues) are preferred for this request. If only DNA is available, please supply at least 300ul at 30 ng/uL.	Inquire
Marker (SNPs) assisted backcrossing (speed congenics) (MiniMUGA 10K SNPs)	Priced per-sample. Only tail snips (or other tissues) are accepted for this request. DNA is NOT accepted.	Inquire
MiniMUGA data analysis only (LAGS Director).	Priced per-professional hour.	Inquire
Mouse cell line strain of origin identification (100 SNPs)	Priced per sample We ONLY accept a total of 5 micrograms of genomic DNA.	Inquire
Mouse Major Histocompatibility Complex H2 haplotyping (PCR-RFLP based).	Priced per sample For this request please submit a minimum of 50uL at 30ng/uL.	Inquire
Passenger mutation PCR for GEM lines.	Priced per Sample	Inquire
Set up for KASP gene-specific genotyping.	Priced per Sample	Inquire
SSLP / STR Genotyping	Price per reaction	Inquire

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