About the IMR
Function of the IMR
Genetically engineered strains of mice (mice altered by gene transfer (transgenics), homologous recombination (gene targeting), and chemical mutagenesis) provide powerful new tools for biomedical research. The use of these strains has become important and critical for basic research and for investigating the cause and treatment of human disease. The rapid generation of these strains has created the need for a central facility to collect and distribute them to the scientific community.
The function of the IMR is to (1) select biomedically important stocks of transgenic, chemically induced, and targeted mutant mice, (2) import these stocks into the Jackson Laboratory by rederivation procedures that rid them of any pathogens they might carry, (3) cryopreserve embryos from these stocks to protect them against accidental loss and genetic contamination, (4) backcross the mutation onto an inbred strain, if necessary, and (5) distribute them to the scientific community.
Expansion of the IMR
Potential IMR strains are identified by direct submissions from scientists who generate them, recommendations from IMR Advisory Board or Associated Board members, suggestions from scientists, and from literature searches. Since it's inception the IMR has accepted over 500 strains with over 400 of these currently available. The remainder are either being imported or waiting importation. We are currently accepting 6-7 new strains each month. The IMR also maintains an online database to provide information about these strains. This information includes a description of the mutant phenotype, husbandry requirements, and genetic typing protocols. In addition, strain availability, and links to the Mouse Genome Database are maintained.
