Mutagenic Insertion and Chromosome Engineering Resource (MICER)

MICER is a public resource for high-throughput, targeted manipulation of the mouse genome. It aims to provide vector sequences and information on using MICER vectors for generating knockout mice and for chromosome engineering for the scientific community.

Created in 2004, as the mouse genome sequence was nearing completion, MICER was set up as a tool to study the effects of mutations where a gene is disrupted and was part of an effort to establish new methods to alter genes in a high-throughput manner.

[Genome Research Limited]

Information

Vector Maps and Sequences

ES cell protocols

Requests for AB2.2 ES cells

To request AB2.2 ES cells, please complete the Clone Request Form.

Please note that before any biological materials can be sent a Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) form must be completed, signed and received by us. Please download the MTA form, complete it and send by fax the original signed copy to the address provided on the form.

Frequently asked Questions

Q: I had problems sequencing the MICER clone I received from the Sanger?
A: These vectors are rather large (average ~20 kb) and can be difficult to sequence. We routinely run 40 cycles using Institute sequencing protocols. If sequencing is still a problem try restriction mapping the clone to verify it. Be aware that the assembly is based on C57BL/6J and these clones come from a 129Sv mouse so there are some differences to contend with.

Q: I ordered a MICER clone, sequenced it and it mapped to a different location in the genome than I expected?
A: There are several reasons why this may happen. The first possibility is that the clone was incorrectly picked - if you get the wrong clone please re-order it. In the majority of cases the clone is correct the second time around. We suggest that clones should be streaked from the stab to single colonies and check carefully. If you still don't get what you want please contact us at micer@sanger.ac.uk because we'd like to find out why. We've picked several hundred clones from these libraries and less than 5% have been incorrect.
Because the mouse genome is still in draft form it is possible that shuffling of the assembly may occur between different builds. When this occurs a MICER clone may be in the incorrect orientation or location. We re-map the MICER libraries as soon as possible after each new assembly is released and it is advisable to check your MICER clones when we release these data online.

Contact

We are keen to provide a useful tool to the research community so we appreciate feedback - both good and bad. Feedback is important to keep us on our toes. If you have any suggestions please contact the MICER team at micer@sanger.ac.uk.

Publications

  • Mutagenic insertion and chromosome engineering resource (MICER).

    Adams DJ, Biggs PJ, Cox T, Davies R, van der Weyden L, Jonkers J, Smith J, Plumb B, Taylor R, Nishijima I, Yu Y, Rogers J and Bradley A

    Nature genetics 2004;36;8;867-71

    PUBMED: 15235602; DOI: 10.1038/ng1388

  • Engineering chromosomal rearrangements in mice.

    Yu Y and Bradley A

    Nature reviews. Genetics 2001;2;10;780-90

    PUBMED: 11584294; DOI: 10.1038/35093564

  • A system for rapid generation of coat color-tagged knockouts and defined chromosomal rearrangements in mice.

    Zheng B, Mills AA and Bradley A

    Nucleic acids research 1999;27;11;2354-60

    PUBMED: 10325425; PMC: 148802

* quick link - http://q.sanger.ac.uk/3h2b4t30