Animal Models Shared Resource (AMSR)
The AMSR provides a comprehensive approach for the generation, housing, and analysis of animal models of human cancer. The AMSR provides services for the modification of the mouse genome through CRISPR/Cas9 as well as conventional gene targeting in embryonic stem (ES). AMSR generates conventional knockout and knock-in mouse lines, as well as mouse lines with conditional alleles. In addition, AMSR provides services for the generation of transgenic mouse lines either by conventional random transgene integration, or by targeted insertion of transgenes into safe harbor genomic loci to ensure stable gene expression. Mouse reproductive services are offered. The AMSR rodent barrier facility is part of Einstein’s AAALAC-accredited animal care program, and provides specific pathogen-free rodent housing and a broad spectrum of animal husbandry services, including Cesium source irradiation. Complete gross and histological evaluation of tissues and animal models is performed by the Facility’s American College of Veterinary Pathology board-certified veterinary pathologist. AMSR provides a robust array of xenograft methodologies for cell implantation and propagation of successful tumor grafts by serial transplantations and supports pre-clinical studies on novel anticancer agents in murine tumors as well as in human patient-derived tumor xenografts (PDX). Finally, AMSR provides in vivo IVIS imaging of animals bearing tumors that express bioluminescent or far-red fluorescent proteins, allowing non-invasive quantitation of tumor growth in mice.