Animal Resources

Significance and Description

Animal models are extremely important tools for studying the molecular mechanisms that underlie complex biological processes. Research using animal models has provided important components in our understanding of how cancer arises, and has led to the development of new ways to detect, treat, and prevent cancer. Transgenic and gene-targeting technologies can now be used to quickly and efficiently generate animals that mimic certain aspects of human disease. Genetically defined mouse models are also proving to be very useful for studying how specific genetic alterations or naturally occurring polymorphisms interact with the environment to induce disease. Four animal resource components at Science Park provide comprehensive support for research projects utilizing rodent and aquatic animal models: Research Animal Support Facility, Genetics Services, Mutant Mouse Pathology Services, and Transgenic Services.


Research Animal Support Facility

The Department's Animal Resources are housed in the Research Animal Support Facility - Smithville (RASF-S) that is supported in part by the Institution's Cancer Center Support Grant from the National Cancer Institute. This facility is one of about 700 worldwide that is accredited by AAALAC International (Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International). AAALAC International is a private, nonprofit organization that promotes the humane treatment of animals in science through voluntary accreditation and assessment programs. Our participation in this program is a demonstration of our sincere commitment to responsible animal care and use. In addition, we comply with all guidelines and requirements set forth by the Public Health Service (PHS) Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, and as applicable, the USDA Animal Welfare Act. Our institution has an Assurance Statement on file with the PHS Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) that describes institutional policy and procedure in adhering to these laws and standards.

The Research Animal Support Facility provides animal husbandry services, veterinary care and consultation, surgical and technical support, and numerous research services. Regulatory compliance and training and education in animal care and use are additional functions of the program, as are provision of animal health quality assurance testing, breeding colony management, genetic consultation, genetic authentication, and application of international standards of nomenclature for animal models.


Genetic Services

Genetic Services provides MD Anderson investigators with cost-effective, customized genome scans using polymorphic genetic markers, to support speed congenic development, background strain characterization, genetic quality control, and genetic linkage analysis for mice and rats. Consulation on rodent genetics is also provided by this component.

Many new lines of mutant and genetically modified mice and rats, whether developed at MD Anderson or obtained from outside the Institution, are initially on a mixed genetic background. It is well known that the genetic background influences the phenotype of transgenic and knock out (KO) models (e.g., the well-documented case of epidermal growth factor receptor null mice). We anticipate that there will be an increase in studies to identify and characterize genes that modify these phenotypes. In addition, in many cases investigators need to create congenic lines to study the effects of a particular genetic allele in a different strain. Genome scans using multiple, informative polymorphic loci represent the state-of-the-art in defining genetic background.


Mutant Mouse Pathology Services

The Mutant Mouse Pathology Service provides MD Anderson investigators with cost-effective anatomical pathology assistance, including gross necropsy and histopathology performed by experienced veterinary pathologists. Consultation on animal models selection and validation is also provided.

New lines of mutant and genetically modified mice are being developed and employed in ever increasing numbers for biomedical research. However, careful characterization of mutant mice, their validation as models of specific human diseases, and the appropriate application of these models require expert knowledge of mouse biology and comparative pathology. The Mutant Mouse Pathology Service, which is staffed by three experienced veterinary pathologists, can provide this expertise. The Service also offers consistent, reproducible semi-quantitative histopathologic evaluation of samples from large experimental studies.

Specific services provided are:

  • Ante mortem and post mortem imaging
  • Hematology and serum chemistry
  • Necropsy
  • Histopathology
  • Consultation
  • Training

Transgenic Services

This component provides investigators with a cost-effective means of developing genetically engineered animal models.

Specific services provided are:
  • Generation of transgenic mouse founders by pronuclear microinjection of DNA constructs into fertilized eggs in either the FVB or SKH1 strain background
  • Generation of chimeric mice by blastocyst injection of gene-targeted ES cell lines
  • Rederivation of transgenic and other specialized mouse strains by embryo transfer
  • Archival storage of frozen embryos and sperm from transgenic and other specialized mouse strains
  • Consultation, technical support and training to Investigators wishing to establish their own genetically modified animals

Staff

Research Animal Support Facility

Lezlee Coghlan, D.V.M., Diplomate, Am. College of Laboratory Animal Medicine
Associate Professor of Molecular Carcinogenesis
Director, Animal Resources

Dale Weiss, AALAS-LATg
Associate Director, Animal Facility

Genetic Services

Fernando Benavides, D.V.M., Ph.D., Diplomate, Am. College of Laboratory Animal Medicine
Associate Professor of Molecular Carcinogenesis
Director of RASF-S Genetic Services

Mutant Mouse Pathology Services

Donna Kusewitt
, D.V.M., Ph.D., A.C.V.P.
Professor

Director, Mutant Mouse Pathology Service


Mark McArthur
, D.V.M., A.C.V.P.
Associate Professor

Co-Director, Mutant Mouse Pathology

Claudio Conti
, D.V.M., Ph.D.
Professor


Carlos Perez
, D.V.M.
Research Investigator

Mutant Mouse Pathology Service
 R&D Coordinator, RASF Genetic Services

Transgenic Services

Mark T. Bedford, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Director, Transgenic Services