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Safeguarding Genetic Integrity for Preclinical Research with Rodent Models: Processes and Technologies - Part 2

In part two of this webinar series, we dive deeper into a wide range of genetic monitoring strategies. Gain a deeper understanding of the use of coat color and physical observations as a low-tech monitoring strategy, selecting physical colony location based on risk factors such as coat color, strain background, and gene of interest. Then, explore innovative strategies, including transgene sequencing, monitoring of transgene integrity via copy number and expression testing, monitoring observations, and whole genome sequencing (WGS) in inbred strain refreshes or identification of spontaneous mutations.
 

Are you taking the necessary steps to safeguard the genetic integrity of your breeding colonies? Learn how to mitigate the impact of genetic integrity disruptions and identify and manage off-target mutations resulting from CRISPR-mediated gene editing.

Dr. Smits introduces the Taconic AWARE™ program, the first program in the industry to proactively assess and score GEM projects based on a number of parameters, including genetic risk and adverse phenotypes.  Watch part two of this webinar series.

 
Watch this webinar to learn about:
  • Strategies to assess and stabilize genetic background of GEM lines
  • Selecting the most appropriate strategy for genetic monitoring based on mutation type
  • How transgene expression can change over time and strategies to prevent this change
  • Practical tips to optimize genetic integrity for CRISPR-based projects

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Bart Smits, PhD

Senior Manager Genetic Sciences and Compliance

Dr. Bart MG Smits currently leads the Department of Genetic Sciences and Compliance at Taconic Biosciences. He has 20+ years of research experience with genetically engineered rodent models of human health and disease. Early in his career, Dr. Smits pioneered the generation of genetically engineered rat models, and since then, he has continuously performed research on the cutting edge of rodent genetic engineering.

Before joining Taconic Biosciences in 2018, he was an Assistant Professor at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, leading a research laboratory focusing on comparative genetics of breast cancer susceptibility loci. He completed a postdoctoral research fellowship at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He holds a PhD in Functional Genomics from the Hubrecht Institute for Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Research in Utrecht, The Netherlands.

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