Central Transgenic Core

Embryo Transfer

Information about transfer of fresh or frozen embryos for rederivation of existing transgenic lines .

Frozen embryos shipped from collaborators can be used to establish transgenic breeding lines in BVS animal units at the University of Edinburgh. For further information about importing frozen embryos, please see our Importation page.

Embryo transfer of fresh embryos can be used to move existing lines from one BVS facility to another with a different health status.

Embryos are transferred into pseudopregnant CD1 recipient females. Recipients are housed in isolators and screened before releasing into the animal unit of the researcher’s choice.

 

Researcher’s responsibilities during process:

  • Complete the ‘Request to Produce Transgenics Form’ (see below) and return it to the CTC manager.
  • Screen the DNA from rederived offspring to confirm successful rederivation.
  • Provide feedback to CTC regarding the number of rederived transgenic animals (please see below).

CTC’s responsibilities during process:

  • CTC will organise the purchase and superovulation of female recipient mice (CD1) on behalf of the researcher.
  • If live animals are used to produce embryos for rederivation, CTC will coordinate the rederivation with the respective BVS facility manager.
  • CTC will organise the genotyping of rederived animals through Transnetyx, and also carry out genetic monitoring using Transnetyx' MiniMUGA assay for 2 animals with correct genotype.

 

Embryo transfer picture