January 2022 | IDDRC NEWS
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Learn about the many resources available to you through your IDDRC membership, as well as current research, upcoming events, PI news, and other IDDRC related news. Get to know your world-class colleagues and stay on top of our center's many activities.
Your IDDRC Directors, Drs. Scott Pomeroy and Mustafa Sahin
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Editing the mouse and human genomes to reveal the formation, function, and diseases of the nervous system, and help identify new therapies |
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Employing IDDRC Cores for complex, state-of-the-art genetic research and screening
by Clifford Woolf, MB, BCh, PhD
How do relatively so few genes control the development of the highly complex nervous system and ensure its healthy diverse functions? And, which genes are drivers of neurological/psychiatric disease or disease risk? Dr. Clifford Woolf discusses how state-of-the art gene-editing and gene-manipulation technology helps our understanding of our nervous system and aides in the identification of new therapies.
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Featured Core
Gene Editing and Analysis Core | Gene Editing Group
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Genetic Analysis and Editing Core (GAEC) is composed of the Gene Analysis and the Gene Editing Groups
Our Gene Editing Group, managed and overseen by Drs. Clifford Woolf and Mantu Bhaumik, works closely with investigators to create genetically engineered mouse models while offering easily accessible, affordable, and efficient expert advice and technical guidance.
The group uses genome editing CRISPR/Cas9 reagents, random insertion of transgenic DNA or gene targeting techniques in mouse embryonic stem cells. The group also provides services for the identification, propagation and management of founder mouse lines, cryopreservation, re-derivation and development of mouse-oriented research projects.
The Gene Editing Group is here to help you.
Our services in addition to project design consulation include:
Gene editing | Gene targeting | Transgenic | Cryopreservation | Re-derivation
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Core Staff Profile:
Mantu Bhaumik, PhD
Assistant Director of the Gene Editing Group
From his early scientific studies in Calcutta to his work in New York, New Jersey, and Boston, Mantu considers himself fortunate to have witnessed the steady improvement of transgenic technologies over the span of the past three decades (and counting!). While not in the lab supporting our IDDRC investigators, Mantu is an avid gardener which led him to have cultivated 15 species, of the beautiful and exotic flower pictured above, from different regions of the world. Learn more>
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Featured Equipment | Gene Editing Group |
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Leica M205C microscope is used to evaluate embryos before freezing.
CryoBio System precision straw sealer is used to seal straws after loading embryos in cryoprotectant.
BioCool-IV (S.P.Scientific) step down freezer is used to freeze embryos at 0.50C/minute.
Micro-Osmette Osmometer (Precision System) is used check osmolarity of sperm cryo-preservation reagents.
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The micromanipulation equipment of mouse embryos consist of an inverted Nikon TE2000-S fitted with, Eppendorf left and right micromaipulators - Transferman 4r, that allow movement in X-Y-Z axis of holding pipet on the left and delivery of the needle on the right.
On the left, Eppendorf Cell Tram 4r-Air allows us to hold and orient embryos in place for injection. On right Eppendorf CellTram 4r-Oil is used for ES cell delivery or Eppendorf FemtoJet 4r used for delivery of liquid reagents (DNA, RNA etc) into embryos at a predetermined pressure and volume. Eppendorf PiezoXpert can be used to deliver sperm into eggs for intra cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) or other reagents. A Sony video camera/monitor is connected for demonstration purposes.
Contact Mantu Bhaumik for more information on the above listed equipment.
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Meet our Investigators | Thomas Schwarz, PhD |
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Dr. Thomas Schwarz' lab studies basic neuronal cell biology and the relevance of that biology to human developmental and neurodegenerative diseases. Originally his focus was on synapse formation and function, but today his work has expanded to include mechanisms of axonal transport and neuronal mitochondria.
In addition to running his lab, along with Dr. Elizabeth Engle, Dr. Schwarz runs the department’s National Institutional Research Service Award (T32), or training grant. In this role Dr. Schwarz has directly mentored many fellows over the years, and is greatly beloved in his role as a training leader and mentor within the department.
Dr. Schwarz has self-proclaimed idiosyncrasies most of which his postdocs have come to appreciate. You might want to join him in some of these!
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Talks and seminars:
Upcoming Conferences:
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Kudos and General Announcements |
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Promotions: Congratulations to Alexander Cohen, MD, PhD who was recently promoted to Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School.
National Brain Gene Registry is Live.
The National Brain Gene Registry seeks to better understand the impact of rare gene variants in intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through a registry that collects detailed and standardized information centrally, the NBR hopes to contribute to the discovery patterns underlying rare neurodevelopmental conditions. Congratulations to Dr. Maya Chopra, Dr. Siddharth Srivastava, Kira Dies and Dr. Mustafa Sahin, the BCH team in this exciting collaborative project along with teams from Washington University (lead institution) and the University of North Carolina. Find out more>
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Kindness tip:
Drop some flowers or a cup of coffee off to a friend or colleague for
no other reason than to cheer up their day.
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