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Center for Animal Transgenesis & Germ Cell Research

Scientists at the School of Veterinary Medicine performed pioneering studies in the development of transgenic techniques and were responsible for production of the first transgenic mouse (Ralph Brinster, B.S., V.M.D., Ph.D) and farm animals.

Capitalizing on years of foundation research, the Center for Animal Transgenesis and Germ Cell Research was established in 1998. The primary mission was to undertake innovative research on stem cell biology, germ cell development, and animal transgenesis.

Techniques have been developed to enable the modification of individual genes in animals and plants and thereby precisely alter inherited traits. These genetically altered animals and plants are called transgenic and are of enormous value in medicine and agriculture.

An improved understanding of the basic processes governing germ cell and embryo development and of the biology of gametes (sperm and oocytes) and embryonic stem cells will enable us to improve reproductive efficiency, generate animal models of human and animal disease and help provide the knowledge base for regenerative medicine, as well as toward the treatment of infertility.

The center provides a platform for intellectual interactions to facilitate research in reproductive biology across the school and the campus.

Contact Information

Director:

  • P. Jeremy Wang, MD/PhD
  • Ralph L Brinster President's Distinguished Professor
    Department of Biomedical Sciences
    School of Veterinary Medicine
    University of Pennsylvania
    Email: pwang@vet.upenn.edu

Current studies at the Center are focused on exploring the biology of germline stem cells, as well as male and female gametes:

  • Study and manipulation of male germ line stem cells has implications for control of fertility, large animal transgenesis and genetic preservation.
  • Analysis of the molecular mechanisms involved in chromatin dynamics, homologous recombination, and chromosome segregation during meiosis will elucidate causes for infertility and birth defects as a result of aneuploidy.
  • Elucidation of epigenetic control of transposable elements in the germline and across generations.
  • Investigation and development of optimum cell culture media used for germ cell lines both in the laboratory and for use on the farm as assisted reproductive technologies.
  • Study of molecular mechanisms of mammalian sperm motility and testicular degeneration has implications for treatment of infertility.
  • In vitro derivation of gametes.
  • Capacitation of stallion sperm and IVF.
  • Study of genetic diseases in domestic animals.
Standing Faculty
Name Title
Gary Althouse, PhD, DVM

Professor of Swine Health and Reproduction
Associate Dean of Sustainable Agriculture and Veterinary Practices
Marion Dilley and David George Jones Endowed Chair in Animal Reproduction
Montserrat Anguera, PhD

Associate Professor, Department of Biomedical Sciences
Ralph L. Brinster, VMD, PhD Richard King Mellon Professor of Reproductive Physiology
Margret L. Casal, DVM, MS, PhD Professor of Medical Genetics
   
Katrin Hinrichs, DVM, PhD Professor of Reproduction
Harry Werner Endowed Professor of Equine Medicine
Chair, Department of Clinical Studies-New Bolton Center
Christopher Lengner, PhD
 Harriet Ellison Woodward Professor & Chair, Department of Biomedical Sciences
Kotaro Sasaki, MD, PhD
 Assistant Professor, Department of Biomedical Sciences
Patricia Sertich, VMD Associate Professor, CE, of Medicine and Reproduction
Director, Equine Endometrial Biopsy Service
Director, Clinical Service, Hoffman Research Center
New Bolton Center
Regina M. Turner, VMD, PhD, Dipl. ACT Professor, Section of Reproduction and Behavior, New Bolton Center
Jeremy Wang, MD, PhD Ralph L. Brinster President's Distinguished Professor
Director, Center for Animal Transgenesis and Germ Cell Research
Elizabeth Woodward, PhD
 Associate Professor, Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine
Support Staff
Name Title
N. Adrian Leu
 Transgenic Core Director
Stephanie Sterling
 Lab Manager

To apply for membership, please send a cover letter and CV to Dr. Wang.


The Transgenic Mouse Core at the Center (Technical director, N. Adrian Leu; Faculty oversight: P. Jeremy Wang, MD/PhD and Andrew Modzelewski, PhD) provides an array of embryological services for the generation and preservation of genetically engineered transgenic and gene knockout mice. The Transgenic Mouse Core is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and is supported by fully trained personnel. It is located in a barrier, pathogen-free small animal facility supervised by trained veterinarians.

For more information, please contact Adrian Leu
Email: nleu@vet.upenn.edu
Phone: 215-573-2302

Stephanie Sterling, Lab Manager 
sterlin@vet.upenn.edu
Phone: 215-573-2301