Transgenic and Molecular Research Core (TMC)

MWRI’s Transgenic and Molecular Core is dedicated to shepherding transgenic model projects, from vector design to the establishment and maintenance of valuable transgenic lines. The core assists investigators by developing state-of-the-art strategies and assays to solve complex biological problems via transgenic research and molecular research. Directed by Dr. Kyle Orwig and managed by Dr. Yi Sheng, the core provides technical expertise, advice, and training for MWRI investigators and to those within the University of Pittsburgh and the entire region. The core occupies 305 sq ft on the 7th floor of MWRI and utilizes modern equipment such as a Nikon Eclipse Ti injection station, equipped with Hofmann modulation optics, Narishigi micromanipulators, an Eppendorf Celltram Vario and Celltram Air injector, a Piezo injection system, and epifluorescence. The transgenic research and molecular research core also includes a dedicated room for lentivirus production.

Location:

Magee-Womens Research Institute
204 Craft Ave., Lab B730
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Not sure how this technology can help your research?

MWRI’s Transgenic Research & Molecular Research Core Facility provides leadership, technical expertise, advice, and training for investigators both within and outside the University of Pittsburgh community. The core is comprised of five functional sections:

• Molecular biology
• Lentiviral production
• Animal resources
• Core services
• Biosafety training

Transgenic and Molecular Research Core Services

• Assistance for generating recombinant plasmids
• Mouse and rat transgenesis, including transgenic and knockout/knockdown techniques using pronuclear injection, ES cell injection/chimera, zona-lenti injection and transgenICSI, with available genotyping analyses for screening and characterizing the integration of transgenes in ES cells or animals
• Production of a third generation, four plasmid system for generating replication-defective lentiviral vectors, including safety instruction for handling lentiviral vectors, and P24 ELISA assays for safety assurance by demonstrating that lentiviruses are replication-defective
• Supply of additional animal-based resources, such as teratoma and chimera bioassays designed to validate putative pluripotent stem cell lines, or provide facilities to cryopreserve or re-derive valuable transgenic lines. TMC maintains BSL-2 and BSL-2+ facilities for handling lentiviral vectors, and services are approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), the recombinant DNA committee, and the environmental health and safety office of the University of Pittsburgh.

Quality and Safety Assurance

Contact Us:

Manager: Yi Sheng
Administrator: Jennifer Shuttleworth or 412-641-2415