Title: Efficient generation and phenotyping of genome- edited rodent models using CRISPR-Cas9 in a high throughput pipeline

Abstract: The emergence of CRISPR-based endonuclease technology represents a paradigm shift in our approach to generating animal models that precisely recapitulate human disease. CRISPR-Cas9 has enabled a wide range of mutation types, including genetic knockouts, knockins of humanized alleles (SNPs), conditional/reporter genes, etc. The primary mission of the Mouse Biology Program (MBP) is to enable and facilitate in vivo functional modeling of human disease in mice and other species. To this end we conduct cutting edge research to increase the precision and efficiency of genetic engineering in vivo. We have pioneered high-throughput electroporation of zygotes and other methods that are 4-fold more efficient for producing deletion and SNP mutant models and 3 fold more efficient in the generation of conditional and reporter mice. We have applied these improvements to create a high throughput production pipeline that generates more than 200 unique mouse models per year. Through the Knock-Out Mouse Project (KOMP), we offer a unique opportunity to generate new models at no or little cost to investigators. Unique to MBP is not only our ability to generate mouse models but also the breadth and depth with which we can assess and measure phenotype. This capability has led us to conduct innovative research in cancer, autism, leukemia, musculoskeletal disorders, ocular diseases, deafness, and a host of other diseases and disorders.

Biography: As the associate director for operations in the UC Davis Mouse Biology Program. Dr. Wood leads the Genetic Engineering, Stem Cell, Transgenic Technologies, and In Vitro Fertilization & Cryopreservation Laboratories.  Dr. Wood’s research goals are to develop novel precision medicine models and technologies that advance genetic engineering with innovative approaches to treating diseases and disorders with specific research missions in cancer biology, immune mediated diseases and disorders as well as ophthalmology. The combination of his private and industry experience with his PhD and MBA provide a unique perspective on research and ongoing process improvement in the production and phenotyping of animal models.