Research Newsletter

New Breeding Services Available Through Stem Cell Transplant Core

The Indiana University Cancer Center Stem Cell Transplant Core, formerly known as the Transplant and Xenograft Core, added new breeding services this month. In addition to the previously available BoyJ and NOD/SCID murine services, NOD/SCID/gc null (NS2) mice, which are deficient in the Interleukin-2 receptor common g chain component, are also now available for all cancer center investigators.

The NS2’s g chain receptor deficiency inhibits NK cell development and leads to additional defects in innate immunity. As a consequence of these deficiencies, increased levels of human cell engraftment are possible. In contrast to the NOD/SCID mice, the NS2 have a longer life span (approximately 16 months) and are less susceptible to lymphoma development. Both NS2 and NOD/SCID mice will be utilized in investigations focused on human stem/ progenitor cell biology and gene therapy. BoyJ mice, which express the CD45.1 cell surface antigen, will be used in murine transplantation experiments in which the relative repopulating ability of two genetically distinct sources of stem cells can be studied.

The Stem Cell Transplant Core supports studies focused on murine and human stem cell biology and therapeutic applications. In addition to these specific breeding services, the core provides training and experimental consultation for all three types of mouse colonies. For more information about this core or to request breeding services, visit www.cancer.iu.edu/research/facilities/stem_cell or contact Core Director Karen Pollok, PhD at kpollok@iupui.edu.