A bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) is a DNA construct derived from an F-plasmid, used for cloning in bacteria, typically E. coli. During the Human Genome Project, researchers created a BAC library to break down the human genome into manageable fragments for sequencing. Unlike standard plasmids, BACs are maintained as a single copy per bacterial cell.

Transgenic Mice

Q: Why are transgenic mouse models essential for cancer research?

Transgenic mouse models allow researchers to study tumor development within a complex, living physiological environment. By overexpressing oncogenes or knocking out tumor suppressors, these models mimic human cancer progression, providing a platform to identify drivers of malignancy and test novel therapeutic interventions.

Q: How do conditional transgenic models improve cancer study accuracy?

Conditional models (e.g., Cre-LoxP) enable spatial and temporal control over gene expression. This allows researchers to trigger mutations in specific tissues or at adult stages, bypassing embryonic lethality and more accurately simulating how sporadic mutations lead to cancer in human adults.

Q: Can transgenic mouse models be used for preclinical drug efficacy testing?

Yes. These models are vital for preclinical research, allowing scientists to evaluate drug toxicity, pharmacokinetics, and anti-tumor efficacy. They are particularly useful for testing immunotherapies and targeted agents before moving to human clinical trials, reducing the risk of failure.

Q: 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.

Q: What is a BAC transgenic mouse and how is it created?

A BAC (Bacterial Artificial Chromosome) transgenic mouse is created by injecting a large segment of DNA (150-300kb) into a mouse zygote. Because BACs can carry an entire gene along with its natural regulatory elements, the resulting transgenic mice exhibit highly accurate gene expression patterns.

Q: How Are Transgenic Mice Made?

The most established method is DNA Microinjection. In this process, a purified DNA solution containing the transgene is mechanically injected directly into the male pronucleus of a fertilized mouse egg (zygote). The DNA integrates randomly into the genome. The manipulated embryos are then implanted into the oviducts of pseudopregnant foster mothers to develop.

Q: Why are transgenic mice essential for studying Alzheimer’s disease?

Since mice do not naturally develop Alzheimer’s, researchers use transgenic mice to express human gene mutations associated with the disease, such as APP, PSEN1, and MAPT. These models allow scientists to observe the formation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles, providing a living system to study disease progression and test drug efficacy in preclinical research.

Q: What are "Founder" TG mice and why are they important?

A "Founder" (G0) is the first animal that successfully incorporates the transgene into its germline. Because the DNA integrates randomly, each founder may have a different number of gene copies or different expression levels. Researchers must screen multiple founders to identify a "line" that shows the desired stable phenotype for preclinical research.

Q: Can TG mice express human-specific proteins?

es. This is a primary use of TG mice in drug development. By inserting a full-length human gene (often via a BAC transgenic), researchers create "humanized" models. These are essential for testing biologics or gene therapies that only recognize human molecular targets, particularly in preclinical ophthalmic research or oncology.

Discover Cyagen's transgenic mouse services, offering both Regular and PiggyBac methods for diverse research applications. Benefit from our mature technology for gene integrations and tailored modifications that enhance disease modeling and functional studies, ensuring reliable results.

100% Genotype Match Guarantee

Get animals with correct genotype or your money back.

Streamlined Efficiency

Cost-effective gene targeting through mature, streamlined processes.

Swift Turnaround Time

Get your gene targeting mouse models faster.

Overview

Workflow

FAQs

Overview

Comprehensive Transgenic Mouse Models

Cyagen offers advanced transgenic mouse services, utilizing both Regular and PiggyBac technologies for stable gene integration. Our models cater to a variety of research needs, ranging from TG mice created using plasmid or BAC vectors for broad gene function analysis, to PiggyBac models designed for uniform expression through single-copy gene insertion, which are ideal for detailed disease research.

Leverage our expertise for rapid, cost-effective, and reliable TG mice model generation, specifically tailored to meet the sophisticated demands of your preclinical research projects.

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 Transgenic Mice

MouseAtlas Model Library

Search and access curated genetically engineered mouse strains

Transgenic Model Generation

Regular, PiggyBac, and BAC transgenesis

Cryopreservation & Recovery

Preserve and revive rodent strains on demand

Rodent Breeding

Scalable colony expansion with full genotyping support

BAC Modification

Custom genomic edits with full validation and transgenic support

Rodent Phenotyping

Full-spectrum analysis for rodents model

Workflow

Workflow and Delivery

Our robust workflow ensures the efficient creation and delivery of both Regular and PiggyBAC transgenic mice. Utilizing advanced genetic technologies, we facilitate effective transgene integration tailored to your specific research demands. From conception through delivery, our processes are designed to accelerate your research with high-quality, reliable transgenic models.

Regular Transgenic Mice: Plasmid-Based

Delve into our streamlined Regular Transgenic services using plasmid vectors. This approach is tailored to efficiently incorporate foreign DNA into the mouse genome for varied gene function studies and disease modeling.

Stage	Description	Turnaround Time
Transgenic Strategy Design	Develop a customized transgenic strategy including a PCR genotyping plan for founder screening.	1-4 days
Vector Construction	Construct and confirm plasmid-based transgenic vectors by restriction digest and sequencing.	4-6 weeks
Pronuclear Injection	Inject transgenic plasmid into the pronucleus of fertilized eggs and implant into surrogate mothers.	8-12 weeks
Transgenic Founders Screening	Genotype pups by PCR to identify those carrying the transgene.	8-12 weeks

Note:

Turnaround times do not include periods required for institutional approval or transit. For specific strain requests or more detailed information, please inquire. We also offer transgenic mouse embryos for projects focused on early developmental gene function studies, such as enhancer analysis, eliminating the need to maintain a full mouse line.

Regular Transgenic Mice: BAC-Based

Explore our advanced BAC-based Regular Transgenic services, designed for the integration of large DNA constructs. This method utilizes BAC (Bacterial Artificial Chromosome) vectors for higher fidelity in genetic modifications, suitable for complex gene function analysis and detailed disease modeling.

Stage	Description	Turnaround Time
Transgenic Strategy Design	Design a comprehensive transgenic strategy tailored to your research needs.	1-4 days
BAC Modification (Recombineering)	Modify BAC vectors as needed for the transgene; inquire for details on BAC recombineering services.	8-10 weeks
Prepare DNA for Injection	Purify and prepare BAC DNA for injection, develop a PCR-based genotyping strategy.	1-2 weeks
BAC Injection to Obtain Founders	Inject BAC into fertilized eggs and implant them to obtain transgenic founders; basic and guaranteed service options available.	8-12 weeks
Transgenic Founders Screening	Screen pups by PCR to identify those carrying the BAC transgene.	8-12 weeks

Note:

Turnaround times exclude the period required for obtaining host institution’s approval and transit. For specific strain requests or further details, please inquire. We also offer transgenic mouse embryos for use in early developmental gene function studies, providing a streamlined option for projects that do not require the maintenance of a full mouse line.

PiggyBAC Transgenic Mice: Plasmid-Based

Explore the PiggyBAC transgenic method using plasmid vectors for precise and stable gene integration. This technique is renowned for its efficiency in generating transgenic mice with consistent gene expression.

Stage	Description	Turnaround Time
Transgenic Strategy Design	Develop a PiggyBAC transgenic strategy tailored to your research objectives, including a PCR genotyping plan for founder screening.	1-4 days
Vector Construction	Construct and verify PiggyBAC transgenic plasmids, preparing them for injection.	8-10 weeks
Pronuclear Injection	Inject PiggyBAC plasmids into the pronucleus of fertilized eggs and implant them into surrogate mothers to obtain offspring.	8-12 weeks
Transgenic Founders Screening	Genotype pups by PCR to identify those carrying the PiggyBAC transgene.	8-12 weeks

Note:

Turnaround times exclude periods required for obtaining host institution’s approval and transit. For specific strain requests or detailed information, please inquire. We also provide PiggyBAC transgenic mouse embryos for research requiring only embryonic gene function studies, simplifying the process and reducing the need for full mouse line maintenance.

PiggyBAC Transgenic Mice: BAC-Based

Experience the precision of PiggyBAC transgenic technology for BAC-based integrations. Our workflow ensures high fidelity and stability in gene expression, optimizing your research outcomes.

Stage	Description	Turnaround Time
Transgenic Strategy Design	Develop a PiggyBAC transgenic strategy tailored to your research objectives, including a PCR genotyping plan for founder screening.	1-4 days
Vector Construction	Construct and verify PiggyBAC transgenic plasmids, preparing them for injection.	8-10 weeks
Pronuclear Injection	Inject PiggyBAC plasmids into the pronucleus of fertilized eggs and implant them into surrogate mothers to obtain offspring.	8-12 weeks
Transgenic Founders Screening	Genotype pups by PCR to identify those carrying the PiggyBAC transgene.	8-12 weeks

Note:

Turnaround times do not include periods required for institutional approval or transit. For specific strain requests or more information, please inquire. We also offer PiggyBAC transgenic mouse embryos for researchers focusing on embryonic gene function studies without the need for maintaining a full mouse line.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is BAC?

Why are transgenic mouse models essential for cancer research?

How do conditional transgenic models improve cancer study accuracy?

Can transgenic mouse models be used for preclinical drug efficacy testing?

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

What is a BAC transgenic mouse and how is it created?

How Are Transgenic Mice Made?

Why are transgenic mice essential for studying Alzheimer’s disease?

What are "Founder" TG mice and why are they important?

Can TG mice express human-specific proteins?

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