Database of Genetically Modified Murine Strains
Until now, it has been quite difficult for researchers to determine whether a particular strain of mouse already exists in Australia. Several societies have put considerable effort into establishing databases of murine strains however they have not had the resources to maintain or expand these databases.
Through an NHMRC Enabling grant the Australian Phenomics Facility (APF) has developed an Internet accessible database of murine strains housed in Australia. This database has been titled The NHMRC PhenomeBank. The PhenomeBank database provides Australian researchers with a central location to gain information about strains of mice maintained in Australia, whether alive or cryopreserved. This database will be accessible to all researchers.
Currently, the database can be used to identify whether mice carrying mutations in a particular gene exist within Australia. Future versions of the database will allow researchers interested in a particular disease or developmental stage to search the PhenomeBank database for mice harbouring abnormalities within specific organs, tissues or cell types or biological functions resulting in disease or developmental abnormalities.
The PhenomeBank is always improving and more strains are being listed weekly and the maintenance of strain data will be ongoing.
The databases established by ANZSLAS and ANZSCDBI have been incorporated into the PhenomeBank. The strains housed at APF and the ENU mutants generated from library screens have and are also being incorporated into the database as they are identified.
The PhenomeBank database will foster exchange and expertise and minimise duplication of mouse resources.
We welcome feedback on how to improve the database and if data errors are identified please contact us via the email address below.
Cryopreservation of Murine Sperm
As part of our services the APF is offering cryopreservation of murine sperm. Through the support of an NHMRC Enabling grant the cryopreservation is available at no charge for strains that are distributable to other researchers within Australia. The depositor retains ownership of the strain and MTAs with requestors are permitted, if required. The depositor will need to pay for the shipping costs of the mice to the APF. The ongoing maintenance costs are also covered by the Enabling grant. For those strains that are not freely distributable depositors will be charged for the cryopreservation and on going maintenance. An option for delayed release can be discussed. The information of strains cryopreserved will be entered into the Phenome Bank. Requests for cryopreservation will be processed in the order the requests are received.
The APF offers to cryopreserve, store, rederive and distribute the strains. Costs incurred to recover cryopreserved strains and to distribute strains will be passed onto the requesting researcher. The techniques used for cryopreservation, IVF and rederivation have been developed and refined at the Monash Institute of Medical Research. Frequently requested strains will be maintained in limited number as live colonies. Duplicate samples are stored at both ANU and Monash to prevent accidental loss occurring from equipment failure.
To request cryopreservation of a strain click here.