Research Projects

The Mouse Genome Engineering Facility (MGEF) at Bangalore Life Sciences and Biotechnology Cluster (BLiSC) has been focusing on developing advanced methods for creating new mouse models since 2014. Since 2014, the facility has engineered 42 different mice models using CRISPR/Cas for researchers across India and preserved over 350 mouse strains in its repository. This facility has improved the quality of production and generation of mice models for research and development. Preclinical molecular imaging in small animals is crucial for evaluating new molecular targets, contrast agents, and developing drugs before clinical translation. Fluorescent protein-based reporter systems, such as GFP and RFP, have gained popularity due to their ability to excite light above 600 nm. However, the opacity of tissues and short penetration depth of optical photons limit their applications for deep tissue imaging in whole mammals. Fluorescent proteins that efficiently excite in the "optical window" above 600 nm are highly desirable for live imaging. Combining Cre drivers and reporters with imaging technologies has potential in biomedical research. However, the most widely used Cre-reporter system using Rosa26 locus expressing fluorescent proteins has limitations in sensitivity or functionality. The current system has leakiness in expression patterns, which could threaten expression in nonspecific cells and tissues other than targeted ones. There is a strong need for improving reporter mice models with fluorochrome above 600 nm wavelength and an alternate docking site for non-invasive multiallelic studies and live imaging. The proposed models are not available in India, but the facility will explore alternate docking sites for permissive gene expression and efficient targeting in combination with fluorochrome for non-invasive whole-body imaging.