East Midlands Knowledge Network: Routes To University Expertise

 

Systems Biology Laboratory UK

Transgenic Facilities

Description and aims

SBL required a genetically modified mouse containing the deletion of a chosen gene region, mimicking an evolutionary mutation found in humans. This mutation means that a particular molecule is found only in tumour cells in humans. This provides a novel target for cancer therapy that can now be tested in an appropriate model.

About Systems Biology Laboratory UK

SBL is a (Community Interest) Company dedicated to improving patient treatment options through high quality, collaborative and clinically focused research. SBL has a strong scientific team with a variety of academic and industrial backgrounds. They have particular strengths in all aspects of immunology and molecular biology. Clinical applications for the work of SBL include:

  • Cancer immunotherapy
  • Repair of DNA damage by agents such as UV
  • Memory formation

How the project is being undertaken

A gene targeting DNA vector was designed and constructed using a Recombineering approach by Geneta such that on transfection into Embryonic Stem (ES) cells, targeted recombination of this vector into the genome would result in the desired deletion within the chosen gene. 300 transfected ES cell clones were isolated and screened for this specific targeting event and ‘positive’ clones identified. These ES cells are now being injected into early mouse embryos to generate a mouse which contains this specific mutation within its genome.

Impacts and benefits

In contracting the services of Geneta, SBL

  • Accessed additional expertise from the University not available at SBL leading to shortened product development lead-times
  • Gained access to a service tailored to suit SBL’s exact requirements rather than perhaps a more generic and expensive package offered by some of the corporate service providers.
  • Were able to avoid any animal handling issues through use of an external provider, since SBL’s location does not authorise any home office licensed procedures on site.

For more information about the project

If you would like to hear more about the services offered by Geneta, please contact Geneta, Department of Biochemistry, University of Leicester
Email: geneta@le.ac.uk
Telephone: 0116 229 7079

University

University of Leicester

Contact

Geneta, Department of Biochemistry

0116 229 7079

Website

Geneta