The Mouse Embryology Research platform is a highly specialized extension of the institute's foundational Mouse Chimeric Platform, which is a key component of the Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health (GIBH)’s internationally acclaimed induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology platform. Established in 2009, the Mouse Chimeric Platform has developed robust methodologies for evaluating stem cell pluripotency, catalyzing groundbreaking research and publications in iPSC biology. Over the years, this platform has become a highly efficient and globally prominent resource for experimental research in stem cell science. Recognizing the essential role of murine models and advanced embryological manipulation techniques, GIBH has strategically leveraged these capabilities to advance its key research priorities in stem cell and regenerative medicine, infectious disease and immunity, and pharmacology. On January 1, 2019, Dr. Jiekai Chen’s lab launched the Mouse Embryology Research platform, with the combined expertise of the Mouse Chimeric Platform, in collaboration with the Experimental Animal Center, and the Core platform of the Chinese Academy of Sciences' GIBH. Open to both internal and external scientific communities, this platform offers a comprehensive range of specialized technical services.
The Mouse Embryology Research platform is equipped with a suite of advanced precision instruments, including an inverted fluorescence microscopy for precision manipulation procedures, a cell membrane laser ablation system, a piezo-electric micromanipulation device, a micropipette puller, a microforge for needle fire-polishing, a needle grinder, and a cell fusion system. These tools enable precise embryo manipulations, supported by the production of custom-fabricated microneedles and preparation of key reagents, such as embryo culture media, sperm capacitation solution, in vitro fertilization (IVF) medium, as well as cryopreservation solutions for sperm and embryos and media for embryo recovery.
With over 20 years of expertise in murine husbandry and embryological manipulation, the platform offers a wide array of advanced services. These include pre- and post-implantation embryo collection, blastocyst-stage isolation of inner cell mass (ICM) and trophectoderm (TE) cells, pronuclear and cytoplasmic microinjection of zygotes, stem cell microinjection, mouse cloning, and stem cell-derived tetraploid embryo complementation. The platform also provides assisted reproductive technologies, such as IVF, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), live sperm collection, and cryopreservation services for mouse sperm and embryos. Combining deep expertise with state-of-the-art technology, the Mouse Embryology Research platform has become an indispensable resource for pioneering research in critical biomedical fields. This platform has made significant contributions to advancements in stem cell biology, regenerative medicine, and related disciplines, establishing itself as a leading research center within the global scientific community.
