Resources
The use of animal models is pivotal as we seek to understand basic biological processes and translate that knowledge into new diagnostics, preventions, treatments and products. The Li lab has a long and varied history of experience with animal models, including mouse, chicken, and fly (drosophila) models.
Animal models and the innovative manipulations that can be done through today's technology offer powerful insights. Conditional knockout technology allows for the study of the loss-of-function of a specific gene in a specific tissue at a specific time. In contrast, knock-in studies enable simultaneous deletions in several places. Furthermore, the chicken model is easy to use with AV, retrovirus, and lentivirus technology, and it is great for research on bone and cartilage. Currently, the fly model is increasing in use and need in scientific discovery. It is especially effective in studies involving genes functions and signaling pathway studies. The Li lab would also contribute our experience with mouse embryonic ES cells technology, which is a very important and time-consuming part of animal models. The Animal Models would act as a platform for our research.
Mouse Embryo Stem (ES) Cells for mouse model:
The mouse model is especially great for research on bone and cartilage. A center for ES cells is important for mutation construction and for mouse gene knockout, knock-in, and conditional knockout studies. Furthermore, ES cells can help with stem cell and tissue regeneration studies.
Equipment: 2 hoods, freezer, centrifuge, water bath, electroporation power supply system, 2 microscopes, and 2 Co2 incubators for cell culture
Drosophila model:
The Drosophila model is very old, which means that a wealth of data and experience is available to help researchers design and interpret experiments. In addition, modern technology has recently opened new doors in Drosophila research. There are numerous new mutation strains that need to be characterized and new technology that allows for loss/gain-of-function studies in a tissue-specific manner. Currently, most signaling pathway discoveries were first made in the fly model.
Equipment: steromicroscope, fly pad and needle connected to CO2 to anesthetize the flies for inspection, 3 shakers, Two incubators of different temperatures (25°C for fly growth and another that is 18°C for stock maintenance), shelf storage for many vials, and one -20 freezer.
Chicken model:
The Chicken model is very commonly used. It is especially good for studies on development. It is easy to use with AV, RNAi, retrovirus, and lentivirus technology for gene function study through gene knockdownand over expression.
Equipment: 37 degree Egg-hatching incubator, injection microscope, incubator needed during injection process, power supply for electroporation, steromicroscope with UV source, and 14 degree refrigerator for egg storage.