Mouse Phenotyping FacilityServices

Steps for Initiating a New Project

EMBL investigators wishing to develop a project with the Mouse Phenotyping Facility are advised to contact Dr. Mumna Al Banchaabouchi. The process begins with a discussion of the scientific questions and proceeds to the design of appropriate behavioral tasks. In most cases, experiments are conducted as scientific collaborations. Please note that live animal importation directly into the MPF is presently restricted. Rederivation via embryo transfer is presently required for all animals entering from outside the EMBL Monterotondo mouse facility. For further information, please contact our Transgenic facility.

Getting Started

In general, 10 age-matched mice of each gender and of each genotype (–/–, +/– and +/+) are the minimum number of animals that can be submitted in order to obtain meaningful data. The wildtype animals have to be littermates of the mutant animals. The age at which mice are submitted depends upon the age at which the phenotype becomes apparent – if there is no clinical phenotype, submitting a set of young animals (6-8 weeks) is recommended. The researcher should use the smallest number of mice necessary and sufficient to accomplish the research goals, especially in studies which involve manipulations that are potentially detrimental to the animal. The number of animals used in an experiment can often be dramatically reduced by pilot studies, good experimental design and the use of statistical tests that enable several factors to be examined simultaneously.