Phenotyping services

Model characterization, target validation, and efficacy testing

The Jackson Laboratory's state-of-the-art Phenotyping Laboratory in Sacramento, CA (The Jackson Laboratory—West), is designed specifically for model characterization, drug target validation, and efficacy testing studies in mouse models of disease. This facility offers a broad selection of noninvasive physiological tests for cost-effective, high-throughput compound testing and model characterization in mice.

Investigators can rely upon our unparalleled knowledge of mouse biology, genetics, and physiology to design and execute custom protocols for cutting-edge research.

Measure(s)

Test Platform(s)1

Total body fat, lean mass, body fluids, and total body water, bone mineral density and content EchoMRI
Piximus2 DEXA Scanner
Locomotor activity San Diego Instruments SMART System
Muscle strength, neuromuscular integration Columbus Instruments Grip Strength Meter
Test of hippocampal-dependent learning Morris Water Maze
Motor coordination, fatigue resistance Columbus Instruments Rotorod
Thermal pain reflect Columbus Instruments Hot Plate Analgesia Meter
Systolic blood pressure, pulse Visitech Systems BP20000 Blood Pressure System
Heart rate, ECG AnonyMOUSE ECG
Respiratory function BUXCO Electronics Whole Body Plethysmograph
CO2 production/O2 uptake, food and water intake, locomotor activity, circadian patterns Columbus Instruments Comprehensive Cage Monitoring System
1 All platforms are high-throughput and non-invasive. Mice are anesthetized for DEXA scanning.

To view representative data on common mouse strains gathered from these instruments, see our Phenotypic Data page.

Supporting services for phenotyping

  • Histopathology - UC Davis Comparative Pathology Lab (CPL)
  • Blood Chemistry - UC Davis CPL
  • Cytokines, adipokines etc - Linco Research
  • MRI, PET, MicroCT - MIR Preclinical, Inc.
  • Specialty Pathology - Premier Laboratory

Test requirements

We recommend a minimum of six animals per sex per genotype to characterize new mouse models. Additional animals may be required for compound screening or to support in-depth studies. This is particularly true for behavioral studies where animal-to-animal variability is high. Recommended age ranges vary depending upon the test.

Expected turnaround times for single test measurements range from 1-2 weeks after receipt of the test cohort for animals bred at The Jackson Laboratory. An additional 2-3 weeks are required for quarantine and health screening of investigator supplied test cohorts.

Print-Friendly In Vivo Services brochure (.pdf)

Additional services

JAX® Breeding, Gene Expression and Histological Services are also available to enhance and support your projects.

Still have questions?