Genetic Quality Control of the Rat Strains at the National Bio Resource Project – Rat

The National Bio Resource Project – Rat (NBRP-Rat) comprises the largest bank of laboratory rat (Rattus norvegicus) strains in the world. Its main focus is to develop infrastructure that will facilitate the systematic collection, preservation, and provision of rat strains. To breed effectively more than 180 rat strains in living stock, we establish the genetic control system in which a systematic set of genetic diagnoses and genetic monitoring are included. Genetic monitoring is performed by using 20 polymorphic markers. Monitoring is carried out when a living animal stock is re-established by using cryopreserved embryos or sperm or when a rat strain is first introduced to the NBRP-Rat by a depositor. Additional monitoring is then carried out on each strain every two years. Genetic diagnosis is performed largely by employing the Amp-FTA method. Protocols which detail how to perform a genetic diagnosis of 11 transgenes and 24 mutations have been made. Among the mutations, nine can be detected by simple gel electrophoresis of the PCR products, 11 by restriction enzyme treatment of the PCR products, and four by direct PCR product sequencing. Using this genetic control system, the NBRP-Rat can guarantee the genetic quality of its rat strains.