Embryonic Stem Cell Lab

Transgenics & Knockouts

Cryopreservation Services & IVF

Histology & Pathology

Immunology Lab

Microscopy & Digital Imaging

Price List

Cryopreservation of Mouse Strains

Cryopreservation of mouse strains serves two important functions:

• It provides reduction in number of mouse cages and in associated maintenance costs.
• For strains difficult to replace, it provides insurance against disaster and genetic drift.

The cryopreservation service preserves mouse lines by sperm freezing.

At least 20 straws of sperm from three male mice are stored in two separate locations (note; males are sacrificed for sperm collection). Quality control of frozen sperm is assessed by thawing one straw of frozen sperm for IVF, with wild-type oocytes. The resulting embryos are transferred to pseudopregnant females to ensure they produce viable offspring, at least till E14.5. Embryo tissue samples are provided to the client for PCR verification of the strain.

The service is currently offered at no charge to the WIS community.

Ordering

In order to preserve a line the following is required:

• At least 8 males of breeding age (3-8 months) of proven fertility
• An approved IACUC application
  Use the template: Cryopreservation of Mouse Lines Via Sperm Freezing. Fill in Section B, Requirements for Experimental Animals. To fill in this section use the link on the form. Click here for template instructions.
  Note: A single IACUC application can be used for freezing multiple strains.
• Once IACUC approval is received, fill in a separate order for each strain to be frozen.
  In Internal Services: Choose Animal Breeding Services → Transgenic and Embryo Manipulation Lab. Under Item Description choose #5 Cryopreservation of Mouse Strain. Be sure to fill in all the fields.
  Note:The strain name entered on the order form will be the name used on the straw labels (maximum 16 characters).

Contact Golda Damari (3221) with details of your order.

Important: When transferring the cages of male mice for freezing, the order number must be clearly written on the cage label.

In the case of complicated genotypes (> one mutation), or if there is strain information we should be aware of, please contact me before initiating the order.

In the event of a waiting list for freezing, we appreciate your patience and cooperation.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

In vitro fertilization may be used as an alternative in lines with breeding difficulties. Contact:

Dr. Rebecca Haffner
Phone: 2719
Email: rebecca.haffner@weizmann.ac.il