What is a knockin rat and how is it different from a knockout rat?

A knockin rat has specific genes added or modified within its genome, typically to express new genes or introduce mutations for detailed genetic studies. This differs from a knockout rat, where specific genes are completely disabled or removed to study gene function loss and its effects on physiology and behavior.

What is the primary difference between knockout and knockin mouse models?

At its simplest, knockout (KO) is about "loss of function," while knockin (KI) is about "gain or alteration of function." Both leverage precise genome editing but serve different research purposes: Knockout (KO): Involves the inactivation or deletion of a specific gene. It is used to study the biological necessity of a gene by observing what happens when its function is completely removed. Knockin (KI): Involves the insertion of a specific exogenous DNA sequence (such as a humanized gene, a reporter like GFP, or a point mutation) into a targeted locus. It is used to model human diseases or track gene expression.

Transgenic Mice Vs. Knockout Mice, What Is the Fundamental Difference?

The primary difference lies in the genetic modification. Transgenic mice have extra genetic material (transgenes) randomly or specifically inserted into their genome to express a new trait. Knockout mice have a specific existing gene "switched off" or deleted to study the effects of its absence.

Knockin Rats

Cyagen's knockin rats provide targeted genetic alterations to meet complex research demands, encompassing everything from point mutations to large-fragment knockins. These rats are invaluable for modeling human diseases and studying gene function, offering robust, study-ready cohorts that accelerate the pace of preclinical research.

Precision Engineering

Count on precise genetic alterations for reliable results.

Diverse Strain Availability

Access strains such as SD, Wistar, LE, F344, Norway, Lewis, and more.

Guaranteed Results

Get animals or your money back.

Overview

Workflow

FAQs

Overview

Advanced Knockin Rat Models

At Cyagen, we harness the precision of targeted gene editing technology to create knockin rats that offer unparalleled accuracy in genetic modifications. Our services extend from simple point mutations that simulate human genetic disorders to the insertion of reporter genes like EGFP or mCherry at specific loci. These modifications enable researchers to track gene expression dynamically or replace endogenous rat genes, providing insights into gene functionality and disease mechanisms.

Trust Cyagen for your advanced research needs in gene function and disease modeling. Our knockin rat models are specifically designed to facilitate sophisticated genetic studies, offering modifications up to 20kb with guaranteed fidelity and reproducibility.

Explore Ready-to-Use Mouse Models

Discover over 18,000 validated mouse strains—including knockout, conditional knockout, and humanized models—covering 20+ research areas such as oncology, neurology, and metabolism. All models are supported by detailed genotype data and guaranteed quality, helping you fast-track discovery with confidence.

What Services Are Offered for Knockin Rats

Targeted Gene Editing

AI-enhanced HDR technology for precise in vivo genome engineering

Rodent Breeding

Scalable colony expansion with full genotyping support

Cryopreservation & Recovery

Preserve and revive rodent strains on demand

Rodent Phenotyping

Full-spectrum analysis for rodents model

Neuroscience CRO Platform

Validated CNS models with behavioral and molecular efficacy data

Cardiometabolic CRO Platform

IND-ready studies using genetic and induced disease models

Workflow

Workflow and Delivery

Our refined workflow ensures the precise and timely creation of knockin mouse models tailored to your research specifications. Utilize our advanced TurboKnockout® and Targeted Gene Editing technologies to achieve unparalleled accuracy and efficiency in gene targeting, facilitating faster transitions from design to delivery.

Targeted Gene Editing Technology for Knockin Mice at Any Locus

Explore the versatility of Cyagen’s Targeted Gene Editing technology for creating large-fragment and conditional knockin rat models. This advanced method allows for precise genetic modifications at any locus, making it ideal for broad applications, including disease modeling and functional genomics.

Stage	Description	Turnaround Time
Strategy Design	Develop a nuclease-mediated strategy tailored to your gene of interest, including gRNA and donor vector design.	1-4 days
Vector Construction	Construct the knockin vector based on client-approved strategy. Where needed, efficacy tests in cell culture can be conducted.	6-8 weeks
Targeted Gene Editing Injection	Co-inject ribonucleoprotein (RNP) and the donor vector into fertilized mouse eggs, and implant to obtain founders.	SD: 8-12 weeks, Long Evans: 10-16 weeks
Founder Screening	Screen pups by PCR to identify those with successful knockin or floxed modifications. Where needed, Sanger sequencing can be conducted.	2-4 weeks
Breeding Founders	Breed the founders to wildtype rats and genotype their offspring to ensure transmission of the knockin allele.	12-16 weeks
Southern Blotting (Optional)	Confirm integration and copy number of the knockin fragment in founders or F1 progeny.	2-4 weeks

Note:

Standard services facilitate modifications up to 2kb. Projects requiring larger fragments may involve additional costs and extended timelines.
We primarily use SD and Long Evans rat strains, with options for customization.

Targeted Gene EditingTechnology for Knockin Rats at ROSA26/H11 Locus

Delve into our specialized Targeted Gene Editing technology optimized for targeting the ROSA26/H11 locus in rats. Known for its reliability as a safe harbor site, this method ensures consistent and stable expression of transgenes without disrupting endogenous gene function.

Stage	Description	Turnaround Time
Strategy Design	Develop a nuclease-mediated strategy tailored to your gene of interest, including gRNA and donor vector design.	1-4 days
Vector Construction	Construct the ROSA26/H11 knockin vector based on client-approved strategy. Where needed, efficacy tests in cell culture can be conducted.	4-6 weeks
Targeted Gene Editing Injection	Co-inject ribonucleoprotein (RNP) and the donor vector into fertilized mouse eggs at the ROSA26/H11 locus, followed by embryo implantation to obtain founders.	SD: 8-12 weeks, Long Evans: 10-16 weeks
Founder Screening	Screen pups by PCR to identify those with successful knockin at ROSA26/H11 locus. Where needed, Sanger sequencing can be conducted.	2-4 weeks
Breeding Founders	Breed the founders to wildtype rats and genotype their offspring to ensure transmission of the knockin allele.	12-16 weeks
Southern Blotting (Optional)	Confirm knockin integration and gene copy numbers in founders or F1 progeny.	2-4 weeks

Note:

Standard services facilitate modifications up to 2kb. Projects requiring larger fragments may involve additional costs and extended timelines.
We primarily use SD and Long Evans rat strains, with options for customization.

Targeted Gene Editing Technology for Point Mutation Rats

Leverage our Targeted Gene Editing technology for precise point mutation in rats, ideal for modeling specific genetic disorders and studying gene function at the nucleotide level. This technique provides a high degree of accuracy in introducing targeted mutations that replicate human disease conditions.

Stage	Description	Turnaround Time
Strategy Design	Develop a nuclease-mediated strategy tailored to your gene of interest, including gRNA and donor oligo design.	1-4 days
Vector Construction	Construct vectors expressing the necessary nucleases and the oligo donor template; Where needed, efficacy tests in cell culture can be conducted.	3-4 weeks
Targeted Gene Editing Injection	Co-inject ribonucleoprotein (RNP) and the donor oligo into fertilized mouse eggs, and implant to obtain founders.	SD: 8-12 weeks, Long Evans: 10-16 weeks
Founder Screening	Screen pups by PCR and Sanger sequencing to identify those with the correct point mutation knockin.	2-3 weeks
Off-Target Analysis	Analyze potential off-target effects to ensure specificity of the gene edit.	1-2 weeks
Breeding Founders	Breed the founders to wildtype rats and genotype their offspring by PCR and Sanger sequencing to ensure transmission of the knockin allele.	12-16 weeks

Note:

Turnaround times exclude institutional approval processes or shipping.
Our primary focus is on SD and Long Evans strains, but alternative strains can be accommodated on request.

FAQs

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