The TurboKnockout® gene targeting service by Cyagen is based on traditional embryonic stem cell (ESC)-mediated targeting techniques, which can be used for complex gene modeling projects to provide C57BL/6 or (new) BALB/c mouse models with accurate genetic modification and no off-target effects.
Our proprietary TurboKnockout® gene targeting method eliminates the unpredictability of germline transmission (GLT) with our super competent ESC line that generates 100% ESC-derived founder mice rather than chimeras. Additionally, self-removing selection cassette circumvents the need to breed to Flp deleter mice. For conditional knockouts, it may be possible to breed founders directly to your tissue-specific Cre mice. These innovations eliminate at least two generations of breeding, shortening production time by 4-6 months as compared to the industry standard.
Highlights of TurboKnockout® Gene Targeting:
No patent risk: Technology of choice for drug development projects
Success rate: 100% guaranteed germline transmission (GLT)
Turnaround time: Founders as fast as 6-8 months
Size limitations: Knockin (KI) fragment size up to 200 kb
loxP restrictions: No size limitations for your floxed region
100% Money-Back Guarantee on TurboKnockout® projects
Comparison of Animal Model Generation Methods
| TurboKnockout® | CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing | Traditional Gene Targeting | |
| Turnaround time | 6-8 months | 5-7 months | 10-14 months |
| Approach | Homologous recombination in ESC by Cyagen’s TurboKnockout® technology | CRISPR/Cas9 nuclease mediated gene targeting by pronuclear injection | Homologous recombination in ESC by traditional technology |
| Applications | Knockout (KO) Conditional knockout (cKO) Point mutation Reporter knockin (KI) ROSA26 knockin (KI) Humanization |
Knockout (KO) Conditional knockout (cKO) Point Mutation Limited knockin (KI) fragment size |
Knockout (KO) Conditional knockout (cKO) Point mutation Reporter knockin (KI) ROSA26 knockin (KI) Humanization |
| KI fragment size | Up to 200 kb* | Usually less than 5 kb | Up to 200 kb* |
| Self-deleting selection cassette | Yes No need to breed to Flp deleter mice |
N/A | No Requires breeding to Flp deleter mice |
| Screening method | PCR + Southern blot | PCR + Sequencing | PCR + Southern blot |
| Patent Risks | N/A | High-risk | N/A |
*May require multiple rounds of gene targeting for fragment larger than 20 kb
Cyagen is proud to announce the availability of BALB/c mouse models for all embryonic stem cell (ESC) based gene targeting services, including our proprietary TurboKnockout® technology. Over the last several years, Cyagen has tested numerous batches of BALB/c-strain ESCs for key characteristics – including progenicity, karyotype stability, totipotency, reproductive chimerism, and final germline chimerism - to identify BALB/c-derived ESCs suitable for generating targeted genetic models.
Significance of BALB/c Mice in Research
BALB/c is a laboratory-bred, albino strain of the house mouse, characterized by its immunodeficiency and extreme susceptibility to carcinogens. BALB/c mice are among the most widely used mouse strains across oncology, immunology, nuclear medicine research, and are often the first option for animal experimentation models in new drug development projects.
TurboKnockout® for BALB/c Drug Development Models
TurboKnockout® is based on traditional ES cell targeting techniques, which can be used for complex genetic modification projects to provide BALB/c mouse models with accurate genetic modification, 100% germline transmission (GLT), and no off-target effects. Compared with CRISPR/Cas9-based techniques, TurboKnockout® is free of patent disputes, provides precise models on a comparable timeline, and is the technology of choice among our clients performing drug development projects.
Cyagen recently put together an exclusive White Paper, “Animal Models for Research - Choosing the Right Mouse Strains & Genetic Engineering Techniques,” that covers the key differences between C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice to consider when developing a mouse model for your research plan. Our model generation experts put together this free resource to help guide researchers who want to optimize their animal model design process.
Topics Included in Our Free White Paper:
For your free copy of this white paper, please contact us by completing this brief form. Our expert support team is available to answer any advanced questions you may have on this topic.
In under 15 years since its founding, Cyagen has become a leading provider of custom mouse and rat models – delivering over 50,000 models to researchers worldwide and receiving over 3,600 peer-reviewed citations. Cyagen’s top-quality services are backed by our industry-best 100% money-back guarantee. We are known to provide the industry’s best price, quality and turnaround time on all our model generation services – see for yourself from our customer testimonials:
"We generated a mouse knockout model using Cyagen’s TurboKnockout® technology. Cyagen’s team was on time with milestones, provided constant updates on the project and delivered animals as promised. It was such a pleasure working with Cyagen that we decided to outsource the production of other animal models to them."
— Maximiliano D’Angelo, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute
Cyagen provides free consultations, strategy designs, and quotes from our team of gene modification experts – contact us today to see how we can support your research!
Contact Us for a Complimentary Consultation
We will respond to you in 1-2 business days.