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Cryopreservation

Cryopreservation of mouse embryos and/or sperm is a technique to archive unique, valuable mouse strains which are then available in the event of a disease, failed breeding or shipping to other institutions. This procedure also prevents genetic drift within mouse populations that can occur after prolonged breeding programs and eliminates the expense incurred of breeding strains that are not currently in use.

   Embryo Cryopreservation

The researcher provides TransARC with stud males and TransARC either orders wild-type females of the appropriate back-ground strain or uses researcher-provided mutant females for the production of embryos. Embryos are collected from timed matings and cryopreserved. TransARC can archive embryos within the Network, transfer to the researcher or both, if requested. Test thaws are performed to ensure successful resuscitation of the cryopreserved line. Strains are considered successfully cryopreserved once live pups are generated from resuscitated embryos. Although not mandatory, TransARC requests that the researcher perform genotype testing on the test thawed mice to ensure the gene mutation remains intact after the freeze-thaw process.


   Sperm Cryopreservation

The researcher provides TransARC with male mice. TransARC harvests, assesses quality and cryopreserves the sperm. TransARC can archive the sperm within the Network, transfer to the researcher or both, if requested. A test thaw is performed for assessment of percentage recovery of the sperm upon thaw.


Please contact the Transgenic Core (transarc@bcprc.ca) for more information.

 TransARC Service Request Form