Genome scanning service

The Jackson Laboratory offers SNP*-based Genome Scanning Services for researchers that maintain colonies in their facility. This involves using a panel of SNP markers to distinguish between donor and host strains.

This service is tailored towards supporting the development of speed congenic strains but can also be used to confirm strain identity or monitor genetic purity. We can perform this service starting with customer-provided mouse tissue. On average, results of the scan will be delivered 3-4 weeks after The Jackson Laboratory receives tail samples.

Confirm strain identity

Many congenic strains in use by researchers today were generated using traditional backcrossing methods, rather than marker-assisted protocols. Unpublished data from The Jackson Laboratory allele typing laboratory show that traditional backcrossing methods do not always yield the expected statistical percentage of residual donor DNA (1,2). Our Genome Scanning Service can provide you with the information critical for you to know about the background of your strain.

Genetic quality control monitoring

Physical, immunological, and biochemical techniques have been traditionally used for assessing genetic quality(3). Genome Scanning has now emerged as a preferred method of monitoring genetic purity because it is inexpensive, quick, reliable, and comprehensive.

Put our genome scanning services to work for you

Please contact jaxservices@jax.org to request a quote for Genome Scanning Services.

Still have questions?


References

  1. Linder, C. The influence of Genetic Gackground on Spontaneous and Genetically Engineered Mouse Models of Complex Diseases. Lab Animal 2001;5:34-39 [PubMed: 11385732].
  2. Wolfer, D. Curiso, W, and Lipp, H. Knockout mice: simple solutions to the problems of genetic background and flanking genes. TRENDS in Neuroscience. 2002;25:336-340 [PubMed: 12079755].
  3. Sharp J, Sargent E, and Schweitzer P. 2002. Genetic Monitoring. In: Laboratory Animal Medicine 2nd edition. Fox J, Anderson L, Loew F, and Quimby F. (eds) Academic Press.

*Single Nucleotide Polymorphism