The RRRC has developed a number of diagnostic tests and techniques for utilization in genetic testing for rats. These tests include methods for the detection and identification of chromosomal integration sites and microsatellite markers panels for genetic monitoring of common rat strains.
A restriction enzyme-PCR-based technique to determine transgene insertion sites. Bryda EC, Bauer BA. Methods in Molecular Biology 2010; 597:287-99.
Multiplex microsatellite marker panels for genetic monitoring of common rat strains. Bryda EC, Riley LK. Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science 2008; 47(3):37-41.
Method for detection and identification of multiple chromosomal integration sites in transgenic animals created with lentivirus. Bryda EC, Pearson M, Agca Y, Bauer BA. Biotechniques 2006; 41(6): 715-9.



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.
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.
Laboratory Animal Genetic Reporting (LAG-R) Guidelines Published
The LAG-R framework (Laboratory Animal Genetic Reporting) is a set of guidelines to support more complete documentation of the genetic make-up of animals of all species that are used in research, with the aim of bolstering reproducibility, reliability, and overall scientific rigor. See Nature Communications (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-49439-y).
GRCr8: A new rat reference assembly is now available.
GRCr8 (GenBank NCBI # GCA_036323735.1) is the latest version of the rat reference genome assembly. See the Genome Reference Consortium (GRC) blog for more details.