Gene Editing and Mouse Models Assessment (GEMMA) Core of the CIB-RHR (Core B)

  • Dr. Teresa M Gunn

    Dr. Gunn is the director of the GEMMA Core and the Weissman Hood Institute’s transgenic facility. She has more than two decades of experience in genetic models for human disease and development. Dr. Gunn uses CRISPR/Cas9 to generate new mouse models for her studies and for other investigators.

  • Allison Mace

    Allison performs behavioral assessments and data analysis on mouse models, provides mouse colony management services and training, and assists with genotyping and transgenic facility services.

  • Derek Silvius

    Derek is a technical expert on genetic analysis of mouse models and general laboratory assays. He provides genotyping services including interpreting results, mouse colony management, and training to COBRE investigators and their staff.

Overall Goals and Aims of the GEMMA Core

  • Provide COBRE Project Leaders and Their Staff Access to Facilities, Expertise, and Training Essential to Execution of Their Projects

    The GEMMA Core offers transgenic and genotyping services needed for experiments, phenotyping and behavioral services, and mouse colony management services to COBRE faculty. Consultation and training for lab staff is also available.

  • Support Non-COBRE Faculty and Projects at the Weissman Hood Institute and Other Institutions in Montana

    The GEMMA Core also provides recources and support to non-COBRE faculty and other institutions across the state of Montana and the northern Rocky Mountain front, creating an innovative and collaborative research environment.

  • Increase Research Capacity and Strengthen the Biomedical Research Infrastructure at the WHI and across the state of Montana

    This is accomplished by providing access to GEMMA Core services, access to a shared research environment for conducting basic and translational studies, and creating employment opportunities in the field of biomedical research in an under-served region.

The overall goal of the Gene Editing and Mouse Models Assessment (GEMMA) Core will be accomplished through three specific aims:

1) Provide transgenic and genotyping services needed to successfully execute experiments involving mice

2) Provide mouse colony management and training using innovative handling techniques of compassionate care that minimize stress-related behaviors

3) Develop a state-of-the-art mouse phenotyping service in a shared research environment

These aims will provide a unique combination of services, facilities, and expertise to COBRE projects and other investigators working with mouse models across the region, increasing success with obtaining NIH funding and performing impactful research that advances our understanding of health and disease.