Several rat embryonic stem cell lines developed by Qi-Long Ying (USC) as well as cell lines isolated in-house by the RRRC are available for distribution to interested investigators. These ES cell lines represent an important reagent for developing genetically engineered rat models.
The Resource Center has been working with these ES cell lines to further refine methods and protocols for establishing cultures and maintaining them. In addition, we are generating rat knock-out models and isolating new ES cell lines from different inbred and outbred strains to provide additional tools for model development.
Germline Transmisson of a Novel Rat Embryonic Stem Cell Line Derived from Transgenic rats. Men H. Bauer BA, Bryda EC. (2012) Stem Cells Dev. 21(14):2606-2612.
Derivation of a Germline Competent Transgenic Fischer 344 Embryonic Stem Cell Line. Men, H and Bryda, EC. (2013) PLoS One 8:e56518.
Efficient generation of selection-gene-free rat knockout models by homologous recombination in ES cells. Lan H, Li S, Guo Z, Men H, Wu Y, Li N, Bryda EC, Capecchi MR, Wu S. (2016) FEBS Lett. 590(19):3416-3424.
08.25.2025
Why Research Resource Identifiers (RRIDs) Are Important
RRIDs are unique identifiers for key biological resources, genetically enigineered animals and reagents like antibodies. Piekniewska et al. document how use of RRIDs improves trackability. Importantly, better citation practices increase research rigor and reproducibility.
07.30.2025
Animal Models and New Approach Methodologies (NAMs)
NAMs are lab (e.g., organoids and iPSCs) or computer-based methods intended to expand our tools for modeling human biology and disease. While this field is rapidly evolving, the need for animal models remains, especially for situations where a complex biological system is necessary. In addition, animal models serve as vital in vivo controls for the validation and verification of emerging NAMs.
05.17.2025
Weather and Shipping
The welfare of the animals is of utmost importance and as we head into the summer months, inclement weather and excessive heat will delay/prevent shipments of live animals. Be aware that hot temperatures between June and mid-September may negatively impact the ability of couriers to safely ship animals so please plan your live animal orders accordingly.
02.16.2025
In Need of a New Rat Model?
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.