Taconic Biosciences, a global leader in genetically engineered mouse models and associated services, announced it has signed a collaborative agreement with Cergentis to leverage the company's Targeted Locus Amplification (TLA) technology to provide transgene mapping services to its customers.

Optimize breeding strategies

While transgenic mice generated via random pro-nuclear injection (PNI) continue to be a critical tool in biomedical research, a distinct disadvantage of these models is the inability to direct the transgene to a specific integration site within the genome. Cergentis has developed a Next Generation Sequencing method based on their patented TLA technology. Taconic's Transgene Mapping Analysis (TgMA) service leverages this platform, making the task of determining the precise location of a randomly inserted transgene much easier. In addition to the sequencing data from Cergentis, Taconic provides expert interpretation specific to the transgenic line, leading to an optimized breeding strategy.

"Transgene characterisation at a whole new level"

"Cergentis’ TLA technology brings characterization of transgenic rodent models to a whole new level. This technology enables quick and reliable determination of transgene insertion site(s) while providing important data regarding the integrity of the transgene itself and potential disruption of endogenous genes. Taconic can now provide precise assessment of a transgenic model and use the TLA data to better plan intercrosses for future studies", shared Dr. Jochen Welcker, director of molecular biology and scientific development.

Cergentis’ CEO Max van Min comments;

"Cergentis is delighted with this collaboration. Taconic is a leading supplier of rodent models and by leveraging both our expertise, our common customers are served most effectively."