Australian BioResources

Genome Editing – The MEGA Service

The MEGA service can generate new mouse lines quickly and cheaply using CRISPR/Cas9 technology

// Service

Mouse Engineering at Garvan/ABR (MEGA) offers an integrated service to generate novel GM mouse lines quickly and cost-effectively using CRISPR/Cas9 technology.

CRISPR/Cas9 technology produces rapid, targeted genetic modifications including single nucleotide mutations, constitutive knockouts or insertions.

Advantages of CRISPR/Cas9 Technology

Rapid and low cost (5 to 10-fold faster and cheaper than traditional ES cell approach)
Simpler and more efficient than TALENs and Zinc Finger Nuclease
Can target multiple genes simultaneously to reduce breeding and housing costs

MEGA Workflow

The comprehensive service includes project consultation, strategy design, sgRNA and Cas9 mRNA preparation, microinjection, embryo transfer and production of founder mice. Pups are screened at 2-3 weeks of age for the presence of the genetic modification.

In addition, ABR can receive DNA constructs designed and prepared by your research group for standard pronuclear injection.

Project Level and Pricing

Level 1 Project ($9,302.70): targeting one or two sgRNAs to a specific locus to introduce small (1-20bp) insertions/deletions or larger deletions (0.1-5.0kb). In the absence of adverse phenotypes, production and identification of founder mice from Level 1 projects (gene KO or large deletions) can take as little as 8-12 weeks from placement of the order. Up to 4 genes can be simultaneously targeted.

Level 2 Project ($12,376.10): incorporating small changes (e.g. point mutations, small specific insertions/deletions up to 60bp) via sgRNA-directed gene targeting and homologous recombination with a single-stranded DNA oligonucleotide substrate (~150 bases). The minimum time for Level 2 Projects is 10-14 weeks due to the synthesis of targeting oligonucleotide.

Level 3 Project ($18,607.60): coupling of the targeting of one or two sgRNAs to a specific locus with subsequent homologous recombination with a plasmid DNA substrate (5-10kb) to either “flox” an exon or “knock-in” a reporter or other large piece of sequence.

Find Out More

For more information about the MEGA service please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions page and MEGA Terms and Conditions

Please contact Garvan scientists Dr David Zahra at d.zahra@garvan.org.au or Prof Rob Brink at r.brink@garvan.org.au to discuss your project needs.