Embryo Cryopreservation
Acceptance to cryopreserve and store strains is determined by the Scientific Advisory and Access Committee of the APN. Unique strains and strains with high value to the community will be given preference.
Cryopreservation is available at a subsidized rate for strains that are distributable to other researchers within Australia. The ongoing maintenance costs, e.g. liquid nitrogen, are also covered supported. However, the depositor will need to pay for shipping of the mice to the ARC and the caging of breeders to allow the production of 400-600 embryos.
An extended subsidy is offered if all of the basic support criteria above are met and the strain cannot be frozen down as sperm due to loss of genetic integrity e.g. congenic strains.
For those strains that are not freely distributable depositors will be charged the full price for the cryopreservation, on going maintenance (a yearly fee)and for shipment.
The full cryopreservation cost will not be charged for strains on delayed release however if the block on distribution is not removed at the completion of the agreed period of time, the depositor will be charged for cryopreservation and ongoing maintenance costs.
Requests for cryopreservation will be processed in the order the requests are received.
Mouse Requirements
A minimum of 4 fertile male mice and 8 fertile female mice, 8-12 weeks of age are required. Mice will be shipped to ARC at the researcher or animal facilities expense. Shipping details will be provided once the strain has been approved for cryopreservation.
Quality Control
For each cryopreservation session, embryos from a control strain are also cryopreserved. This control sample is later thawed and tested for viability to provide quality control for the cryopreservation procedure. Researchers can request a test thaw and culture of embryos to blastocyst stage of development, a fee is charged.
Considerations for Cryopreservation of Murine Strains
The process for the cryopreservation of murine strains is initiated through the completion and submission of the strain information submission form through this web site or by contacting the Curator by email (stuart.read@anu.edu.au). Once your request has been received and processed by the Curator the researcher/institution will be required to sign a Material transfer Agreement (MTA) or a Service Agreement provided by the APF. Your request will then be reviewed by the Scientific Access and Advisory Board of the APN.
To request a strain to be cryopreserved please download an MTA form, a cryopreservation request form and a genotyping form. Return the completed forms to Stuart Read (preferably by electronic submission email or web page).
Stuart will then contact you to organise shipments etc. It may take up to 3 to 10 months to complete the cryopreservation of your strain depending upon current demand for the service and breeding performance of the strain.
Address:
Fax: +61 2 6125 1381
Australian Phenomics Facility
Hugh Ennor Building (117)
Garran Road
ACTON ACT 2601
Email: stuart.read@anu.edu.au
Stuart will then contact you to organise shipments etc. It may take up to 3 months to complete the cryopreservation of your strain depending upon current demand for the service.