Recovering a Targeted Mutation in Mice from Embryonic Stem Cell Chimeras or CRISPR–Cas Founders

Abstract

Following the production of chimeras from targeted embryonic stem (ES) cells or obtaining founders from CRISPR–Cas gene editing in preimplantation embryos, the desired targeted mutation must be recovered and established in the heterozygous state in a strain or stock of mice for further study. The breeding schemes for ES chimeras and CRISPR–Cas founders differ. For ES cell chimeras, we discuss the relative benefits of breeding from male or female chimeras. We discuss the importance of genetic background and provide practical advice for putting the mutation on inbred or outbred backgrounds or producing a coisogenic strain. For CRISPR–Cas founders, which will most likely be mosaic for different mutations, initial breeding strategies are discussed to maintain a desired genetic background at the same time as producing progeny to segregate different alleles. Strategies for testing the progeny to recognize indels, missense mutations, and knock-in mutations are discussed. In the event that ES cell chimeras or CRISPR–Cas founders produce no offspring or fail to transmit the mutant allele(s), there is a troubleshooting guide to pinpoint the problem. If heterozygous offspring from the chimeras or founders are normal, fertile, and of both sexes, the analysis of homozygous effects of the mutation can now begin; if not, possible dominant effects are considered.