Blastocyst Injection

Blastocyst injection and morula aggregation are fast and effective methods for producing chimeric mice from embryonic stem (ES) cells.

The chimera generation service is offered by the TCF. The ES cells are expanded and judged for their phenotype. On the day of injection the cells are prepared and handed over to the TCF lab for the generation of chimeras. To date we have obtained chimeras from numerous ES cell lines (such as B6, 129/SV) with most of the chimeras subsequently giving germline transmission.

1. A completely filled out request form 
2. An iRATS breeding project under the respective users license to receive the chimeras after weaning

ES cell clones obtained from external sources such as KOMP, EUCOMM, or similar services

ES cell collections offer an attractive alternative to clones generated "in house" however as with all reagents generated through high throughput approaches the likelihood of success is lower than with custom made reagents. Since we do not have full control over the targeting process, our policy is to charge a flat fee of 5800 CHF per clone (minimum of 80 blastocysts) regardless whether chimeras are obtained.
The chimeras born after aggregation will be handed to the scientist for breeding for germline transmission. Although most ES cell lines are male it is also possible to obtain germline through female chimeras. Thus, only if plenty of male chimeras are available one may restrict breeding to these alone. Otherwise, we strongly encurage to breed all resulting (male and female) chimeras.

The chances for obtaining germline transmission at the end of a gene targeting experiment depends largely on the quality of the ES cells. In order to enhance your success rates we offer to support your experiments by consulting with regard to the experimental design, by providing ES cells and by instructions with regard to the correct handling of ES cells.

In case of questions, please contact Johannes vom Berg before submitting an blastocyst injection request.