Cryorecovery of Mouse Lines From Frozen Embryos
TTML has the capability of both shipping and receiving cryopreserved embryos. Frozen embryos received from either outside the institution or frozen/maintained in TTML dewars can be thawed and surgically transferred into recipient females to recover the line at any time.
For pricing and details, see the Services and Rates page.
Importing Cryopreserved Embryos From Outside Institutions/Vendors
Contact exporting institution for information regarding the line you wish to import.
If an Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) is required, obtain MTA requirements from exporting institution. Contact the Authorized Officials at Northwestern University to complete the MTA Agreement.
Ordering Embryos
Frozen embryos must be shipped in a dry shipper (available through TTML and most vendors).
The Center for Comparative Medicine (CCM)/TTML can assist in placing the order:
- Submit an animal import request to CCM. Clearly indicate the embryo/mouse strain required and the number of aliquots (straws/vial/embryos) to order.
- Complete the 'Recovery of Mouse Line from TTML embryos' or 'Recovery of Mouse Line from Outside Institution Embryos' request form found on the NUcore TTML page and upload when ready to purchase on NUcore.
- CCM and TTML staff will coordinate the shipment of the embryos once all the information has been received and reviewed.
If you prefer to place the order, be aware that it is essential that embryos be sent in a special shipping unit, a dry shipper, which is available through our lab. Embryos should be shipped directly to our laboratory at the following address:
Attn: Giuliana Caronia-Brown
TTML/Center for Genetic Medicine
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Simpson Querrey B-700
303 E. Superior St.
Chicago, IL 60611
Initiate a Project: Cryorecovering Embryos From TTML Stocks
To initiate an project, complete the request form found on the NUcore TTML page ('Recovery of Mouse Line from TTML embryos' or 'Recovery of Mouse Line from Outside Institution Embryos') and upload when ready to purchase on NUcore.
Cryorecovery Process
- Embryos are thawed, assessed for viability, and surgically transferred into prepared pseudopregnant recipient mothers.
- Litters are born 19 days following surgical transfer. Tissue is provided from 2-3 week old pups for genotying and results are expected within a week.
- Blood for pathogen testing is collected, if necessary, from the mothers, when pups are weaned.
- SPF pups are transferred to your specified animal room.
Expected Results
We cannot guarantee the recovery of viable embryos from outside institutions. However, we have successfully recovered lines from the vendors/consortiums listed below as well as numerous academic institutions:
- JAX
- Charles River
- Taconic
- MMRRC
- KOMP
- EMMA/EUCOMM
- RIKEN
Your Responsibilities
- Obtain an MTA if necessary.
- Initiate ordering paperwork.
- Transfer of animals: once pups are weaned and pathogen testing results are received, TTML will initiate the paperwork for the transfer of these mice to your animal room and protocol.