Chapter 8 - Genetic Monitoring

Abstract

Strain definition and genetic integrity are critical to obtaining valid and reproducible scientific data in any experiments using mice. Yet, in any breeding facility, there is always some risk of genetic contamination of a strain, whether by technician error or an escapee invading a breeding pen. Animal suppliers must be able to provide assurance that they carry out appropriate genetic quality control monitoring for the mice they provide. It is equally essential that the scientists receiving the mice maintain proper designations and accurate pedigree tracking during the animals' research use, and that their institutions maintain genetic quality control monitoring programs in shared breeding facilities. Contamination of a strain results in a sudden and abrupt change in genotype and phenotype and such major changes disrupt and contaminate research using the altered animals. A well-designed genetic quality control program, using the types of mouse room procedures and genetic monitoring systems described in this chapter, can reduce the likelihood of such contamination and detect it when it occurs. The choice of the monitoring system, biochemical or DNA assays, depends upon the resources available to a laboratory or institution or supplier, the size of the colony to be monitored, and the level of security desired. This chapter discusses considerations for genetic monitoring and how monitoring can be carried out. The purpose of genetic monitoring is to detect contamination of the genetic backgrounds of genetically defined strains. Ensuring the pedigree and genetic integrity of genetically defined mice involves much more than having the ability to trace the history or pedigree family trees of strains.