ExpressMODEL® Embryonic Stem Cell Platform

The ExpressMODEL® Platform for ESC based custom model generation projects is a novel approach developed by Taconic Biosciences, which not only helps to mitigate the risks described above but significantly reduces overall timelines. Importantly, this is done without making any compromise to quality, as there is no change to the validation work performed after both vector construction and ESC targeting.

Instead, and by addressing the first point above (chimera production), ExpressMODEL® allows for the reliable production and identification of male chimeric mice with high ESC contribution to the germline. This allows for efficient germline transmission, which can be problematic in traditional mouse model generation (or without these analyses). By addressing the second point above (F1 heterozygote production), ExpressMODEL® allows for reliable and scaled generation of higher deliverables (≥ 20-50 F1 heterozygotes) via in vitro fertilization (IVF), without any addition to the model generation timeline. In turn, this allows for the immediate production of homozygous mice in the next generation. Bypassing colony expansion, this saves 3-4 months on overall project timelines.

The use of IVF also allows for the production of F1 heterozygotes at a defined health standard. Since these mice can be immediately transferred to one of Taconic's Isolated Barrier Units, large-scale cohort production can begin immediately, and without any delay required for shipment to another provider, additional testing, or quarantine.