Animal models of disease are a critical component of most
biomedical research programs. A major advantage for utilizing
rodents in these paradigms is the ability to control most genetic
contributions across generations. The acceleration of transforming
the genetic background of your animal model can provide insight
into the biology and genetic basis of disease.
Traditional backcrossing requires a minimum
of 10 generations, requires up to three years to complete, and uses
five times the number of animals for breeding. The Harlan
Laboratories GenCheck™ Speed Congenic program can save you time and
money by reducing your breeding time by 50% using as little as four
male breeders per generation. The Harlan Laboratories GenCheck™
Speed Congenic program provides genetic testing services using a
single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panels for characterizing and
selecting breeders from a wide variety of inbred mouse strains used
in the generation of congenic animals. To screen for your gene of
interest at each generation, we utilize one of the many genotyping
applications offered by Harlan Laboratories GenScreen™ that is
appropriate for your particular speed congenic
project.
To
meet your specific scientific goals, we select the appropriate
subset of markers from a panel of over 500 validated mouse SNPs to
evaluate all chromosomes. The Fluidigm Biomark™ High Throughput SNP
Genotyping Platform is used exclusively for our SNP Profiling
program. Picogram amounts of DNA are used to generate reproducible
call rates in predefined panels. All multiplex reactions are set up
using sophisticated laboratory automation, allowing for the
generation of over 500,000 genotypes daily. A variety of
statistical and graphical interfaces allow
for
the interpretation of strain dependant genetic contributions of
each animal tested, and the subsequent selection of breeders to be
used in the next round of breeding.
Harlan also offers an animal production
component to the Harlan Laboratories GenCheck™ Speed Congenic
program. Colonies can be maintained in flexible-film isolators to
protect their health and genetic integrity. Tissue samples are
analyzed through our Harlan Laboratories
GenScreen™ Genetic Testing Laboratory, and
the appropriate breeders for future generations are selected
through consultation with the client and a Harlan geneticist.
Specific customized breeding protocols are tailored to meet the
client’s specific needs.
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