| Affiliations: | |
| Project Leader: | Dona Kanavy kanavy@tamu.edu |
| Faculty Mentor: | David Threadgill, Ph.D. |
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Meeting Times:
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Summer 2016 (complete) |
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Team Size:
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3 (Team Full) |
| Open Spots: | 0 |
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Special Opportunities:
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Team Needs:
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Previous laboratory experience is not required, and all science-related majors are invited to apply. |
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Description:
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There has been a long history of genetic pest management preformed in insects, but not in mammals. This project is part of a large multidisciplinary program that aims to eradicate invasive mouse populations on islands by genetically engineering a mouse model that will have only male progeny, thus skewing the sex ratios and crashing the mouse population. Team members will design a DNA construct containing a target sequence and CRISPR genes. The construct will then be inserted into fertilized eggs and injected into pseudopregnant mice. If the construct is successfully integrated into the germ line of the developing embryos, the transgene will be passed down to subsequent generations. This team will also be applied to other rodent species through the development of stem cells lines that can be manipulated. Team members will learn skills such as sterile technique, making media, harvesting cells from mice, splitting and maintaining cells, and thawing and freezing cells. |