Cell Labeling with Magneto-Endosymbionts and the Dissection of the Subcellular Location, Fate, and Host Cell Interactions.

Purpose: The purposes of this study are to characterize magneto-endosymbiont (ME) labeling of mammalian cells and to discern the subcellular fate of these living contrast agents. MEs are novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents that are being used for cell tracking studies. Understanding the fate of MEs in host cells is valuable for designing in vivo cell tracking experiments.

Mouse Sperm Cryopreservation and Recovery of Genetically Modified Mice.

Highly definable genetically, the humble mouse is the "reagent" mammal of choice with which to probe and begin to understand the human condition in all its complexities. With the recent advance in direct genome editing via targeted nucleases, e.g.

The sophisticated mouse: protecting a precious reagent.

Definable, genetically and environmentally, the humble mouse has become a reagent with which to probe the human condition. The information thus gained is leading to a greater understanding of inter-individual variation in drug responses and disease processes and is forming the basis for personalized medicine. Inbred mice are the tool of choice as each strain is essentially clonal in nature creating a defined, uniform setting where the effects of genetic background and modifications can be evaluated coherently.

Performance of ten inbred mouse strains following assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs).

Superovulation, in vitro fertilization, embryo cryopreservation, and embryo transfer are assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) widely used in laboratory mice. Inbred strains of mice have inherent genetic differences that cause them to respond differently to these technologies. Knowing how common inbred strains will perform when used for ARTs will ensure the most efficient use of mice, time, and resources.