for assistance call: 1-888-673-3444
 
Microbiota Characterization Now Offered
 July 07, 2014
The RRRC now offers a full line of NGS-related services including fecal DNA extraction, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and informatics analysis to researchers using rat models.  For more information, please see here or contact www.rrrc.us.
Need a New Rat Model?
 March 21, 2017
Need a new rat model?  The RRRC in conjunction with the MU Animal Modeling Core (AMC) can assist with the generation of transgenic rats, create knock-out and knock-in rats using CRISPR/Cas9 technology and genetically manipulate rat embryonic stem cells to make chimeric animals.  Contact us to discuss your rat model needs and how we can help.
RRRC at American Society of Human Genetics
 October 16, 2017
Stop by Booth 949 (Research Resources in Metagenomics and Animal Models) in the Exhibitor Hall at ASHG 2017 in Orlando, FL on Oct 18-20 to discuss how we can help facilitate your research.  
Animal Characterization at Discovery Ridge
 November 06, 2017
Discover what our team is doing related to metagenomics and the animal resource centers at MU including the RRRC, the MU MMRRC, the NSRRC and the MU Animal Modeling Core and the MU Metagenomics Center.
https://vimeo.com/239454305
Rat Genome and Model Resources
 November 10, 2017
Review of available rat resources.  Shimoyama, M, Smith, JR, Bryda, E, Kuramoto, T, Saba, L, Dwinell, M. (2017) Rat Genome and Model Resources. ILAR J 58 (1):42-58.
Precision Mouse Modeling: Translation to Human Disease Symposium
 August 12, 2019
NIDA Center for Genetic Studies of Drug Abuse in Outbred Rats
 August 22, 2019
The NIDA Center for Genetic Studies of Drug Abuse in Outbred Rats (P50DA037844) is calling for applications for Pilot Studies in HS Outbred Rats Supporting Drug Abuse Research.
Remembering Dr. Mary Shimoyama
 March 04, 2020
The faculty and staff of the Rat Genome Database are deeply grieved to announce the recent passing of Dr. Mary Shimoyama, principal investigator of RGD.
COVID-19-related Disruptions
 March 19, 2020

Due to the current situation with COVID-19, we are operating with reduced staffing and there may be delays in responding to emails and phone calls at this time.  In addition, because of institutional restrictions and uncertainty with courier services and transportation, the RRRC is currently shipping and receiving live animals on a case-by-case basis.  For new requests, please contact us to discuss your needs.  For ongoing orders, we will continue to communicate frequently to keep you apprised of the status of your order.  Thank you for understanding.

RRRC Fully Operational
 June 14, 2020
The RRRC is fully operational at this time and we are excited to be able to assist researchers with all their rat-related needs. 
Rats on the rise
 July 20, 2021
Rats on the rise.  Ellen P. Neff (Lab Animal, 2021). After a genetic revolution in the 80s, mice overtook rats as the laboratory animal of choice for many researchers. But in recent years, the gene editing capabilities that had lagged a little for the larger rodent have been coming up to par with their murine cousins. Is a return to rats on the way?
NIH Extrinsic Factors Workshop
 August 09, 2022

Enhance Rigor and Reproducibility in Animal Research by Managing Extrinsic Factors

When: September 23, 28, and 30, 2022

Venue: Zoom

Register: scgcorp.com/ExtrinsicFactorsWS

The workshop will be a forum to discuss the current status of and needs for understanding extrinsic environmental factors; their potential impact on animal research outcomes; and how facilities may optimally manage, monitor, and report these extrinsic factors in an effort to enhance reproducibility and rigor in animal research. The focus of this workshop will be on identifying gaps, opportunities, and new approaches in husbandry of commonly and widely used animal models; relevant environmental factors and conditions; and the need for novel instruments, equipment, and infrastructure for animal research core facilities (e.g., modern design of research core facilities, high-throughput equipment, telemetry for behavioral research).

Cryopreservation
The RRRC has continued to refine cryopreservation techniques in the rat.  Improvements to intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) now allow sperm cryopreservation for a cost effect means of archiving large collection sets of rats. 
 
Osmotic tolerance limits and effects of cryoprotectants on the motility, plasma membrane integrity and acrosomal integrity of rat sperm.
Si W, Benson JD, Men H, Critser JK. Cryobiology. 2006 Dec;53(3):336-48.

Vibration study of the Piezo-driven pipettes immersed in viscous liquids. Fan M, Agca Y, Critser JK, Feng F. Journal of Applied Physics 2006;  100(7):74701-74708.

Changes in rat spermatozoa function after cooling, cryopreservation and centrifugation processes. Kim S, Agca C, Agca Y. Cryobiology. 2012 Jun 30.