About
This workshop provides training in the theory and practice of maintaining mouse colonies for research. This workshop is designed for anyone requiring an understanding of issues relating to the management of mouse colonies for research. Participants completing this workshop will obtain a thorough understanding of mouse colony management best practice that incorporates the latest developments and trends in the use of the laboratory mouse in research. Additionally, to help researchers achieve rigor and reproducibility standards when working with mice, this workshop includes instruction on experimental design such as how to control biological variables (i.e., mouse strain, gender, age, weight, health, etc.) and how to manage colony data.
Lecture topics include: mouse Genetics; gene and strain nomenclature; colony set-up and breeding strategies; importing mice; maintaining severely immune compromised mice; genetic quality control; genetic background effects on phenotype; web-based resources for mouse researchers; guidelines for maintaining mouse health; eliminating infectious contaminants; cryopreservation; using assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs); reproductive biology of the laboratory mouse; technologies & repositories: PDX, CRISPR-Cas, KOMP, T1D, & JAX Mice; nutritional aspects of maintaining animal health and phenotype; screening for microbiota; and basics of Cre-LOX.
In-Person Option
The in-person course will take place September 30 - October 4, which includes an optional hands-on biomethods training session on September 30th or October 4th and didactic sessions October 1-3. Hands-on biomethods include: mouse handling, restraint, oral gavage, injections (IP, subcutaneous and tail vein), blood collection (submandibular, tail tip and cardiac puncture), primary and secondary euthanasia and perfusion.
Virtual Option
The virtual audience will have access to live-streamed didactic lectures from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM EDT. Recordings of these sessions will be made available on a centralized canvas course within 72 hours of airing, which will be available for three months following the course. In addition, participants will have the ability to ask questions at the end of each lecture through a virtual Q+A function.
The virtual audience will not have access to the hands-on biomethods training sessions on September 30th or October 4.
Scholarships are available for both in-person and virtual participation in this workshop.
Completion of this workshop may be used for continuing educational units for AALAS and Academy of Surgical Research (ASR) recertification.