Several rat embryonic stem cell lines developed by Qi-Long Ying (USC) as well as cell lines isolated in-house by the RRRC are available for distribution to interested investigators. These ES cell lines represent an important reagent for developing genetically engineered rat models.
The Resource Center has been working with these ES cell lines to further refine methods and protocols for establishing cultures and maintaining them. In addition, we are generating rat knock-out models and isolating new ES cell lines from different inbred and outbred strains to provide additional tools for model development.
Germline Transmisson of a Novel Rat Embryonic Stem Cell Line Derived from Transgenic rats. Men H. Bauer BA, Bryda EC. (2012) Stem Cells Dev. 21(14):2606-2612.
Derivation of a Germline Competent Transgenic Fischer 344 Embryonic Stem Cell Line. Men, H and Bryda, EC. (2013) PLoS One 8:e56518.
Efficient generation of selection-gene-free rat knockout models by homologous recombination in ES cells. Lan H, Li S, Guo Z, Men H, Wu Y, Li N, Bryda EC, Capecchi MR, Wu S. (2016) FEBS Lett. 590(19):3416-3424.
05.21.2026
Weather and Shipping
The welfare of the animals is of utmost importance and as we head into the summer months, inclement weather and excessive heat will delay/prevent shipments of live animals. Be aware that hot temperatures between June and mid-September may negatively impact the ability of couriers to safely ship animals so please plan your live animal orders accordingly.
05.21.2026
Provide Your Input on NIH's Proposed Strategic Plan by May 26, 2026.
The NIH is currently seeking input for its next strategic plan, and a major focus of this framework involves the future of animal research. Because these high-level policies directly impact the future of the RRRC and your work, it’s crucial that the scientific community participates. The NIH has provided a short feedback form that only takes a few minutes to complete. Please consider submitting your input. URL: https://grants.nih.gov/
07.30.2025
Animal Models and New Approach Methodologies (NAMs)
NAMs are lab (e.g., organoids and iPSCs) or computer-based methods intended to expand our tools for modeling human biology and disease. While this field is rapidly evolving, the need for animal models remains, especially for situations where a complex biological system is necessary. In addition, animal models serve as vital in vivo controls for the validation and verification of emerging NAMs.