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Technology Platform

Gene Targeting Technology Overview

Ingenious Targeting Laboratory has refined gene targeting technologies through more than 2,500 custom projects. Our methodology combines proven strategies with sophisticated allele designs to deliver mouse models with verified genetic modifications and predictable performance.

Understanding these technologies helps researchers design optimal targeting strategies and interpret model capabilities. This overview introduces the core technologies that enable precise genetic modification in mice.

2,500+
Custom Projects
800+
Publications
26+
Years Experience
100%
Success Rate

Conditional Gene Targeting Systems

Cre Lox System

Conditional gene modification by placing critical exons between LoxP recognition sites. Cre expression catalyzes recombination to delete flanked sequences.

  • Tissue specific gene deletion through Cre driver lines
  • Temporal control via inducible Cre systems
  • Flexible allele design with multiple derivative options
  • Widely used and well characterized system
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FLP FRT System

Orthogonal recombination approach working independently or with Cre lox, primarily for selection cassette removal and complex multi recombinase strategies.

  • Independent of Cre lox system
  • Selection cassette removal
  • Enables derivative allele generation
  • Supports dual recombinase approaches
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Dre Rox System

Third orthogonal recombinase system enabling sophisticated intersectional strategies requiring expression of multiple recombinases.

  • Orthogonal to both Cre and FLP
  • Intersectional genetic strategies
  • Complex conditional control
  • Multi lineage experiments
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Inducible Expression Systems

Tamoxifen Inducible (CreERT2)

Temporal control over gene deletion. CreERT2 remains inactive until tamoxifen administration enables gene deletion at defined timepoints.

  • Permanent genetic change after single administration
  • Wide variety of tissue specific CreERT2 lines available
  • Well characterized and reliable system
  • Enables adult deletion of developmentally essential genes
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F.A.S.T.™ Technology

Flexible Accelerated STOP Tetracycline Operator provides versatile inducible/reversible control enabling multiple expression modes from single knockin allele.

  • Knockout first mode
  • Inducible expression mode
  • Conditional knockdown/knockout mode
  • Single allele multiple applications
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Proprietary Technologies

Rapid Rosa26™ Targeting

Accelerates transgenic model generation through established protocols and proven vector backbones, enabling shorter timelines with reliable, high quality models.

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TruView Conditional Knockout™

Guarantees strong reporter expression after knockout, enabling reliable visualization of recombined cells regardless of target gene expression levels.

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TruHumanization™

Optimizes humanization strategies by analyzing human mouse protein homology, functional domain conservation, and therapeutic target requirements.

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Advanced Targeting Strategies

Conditional Targeting Systems

Generation of multiple model types using Cre-LoxP and FLP-FRT systems, enabling flexible conditional and constitutive knockout approaches.

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BAC to BAC Large Scale Targeting

Targeting of large genomic regions up to 200kb, enabling complex humanization and multi gene targeting projects.

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Safe Harbor Locus Targeting

Safe harbor loci including Rosa26, HPRT, and H11 provide predictable transgene integration with stable expression and minimal positional effects.

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What Researchers Say

I've been working with iTL over the past 5 years in the production of 3 different genetically altered mice. Not only did iTL help in the design of the mice, but the entire process was transparent with the opportunity at any time along the way to discuss my questions or concerns with scientists who had significant insight into the process. The mice were delivered on time, as billed!

Raghu Mirmira, MD, PhD

University of Chicago

Start Your Technology Consultation

Our scientific consultants can help you select the optimal technologies for your research goals. From basic gene targeting through advanced conditional and inducible systems, we guide technology selection to match your experimental requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cre lox is the primary system for conditional gene deletion, with extensive driver line availability. FLP FRT complements Cre lox in dual recombinase strategies. Dre Rox provides a third orthogonal system for sophisticated intersectional strategies. Selection depends on whether you need gene deletion or independent control of multiple modifications.

Safe harbor targeting inserts transgenes at defined genomic locations (Rosa26, H11, HPRT) that support transgene integration without disrupting endogenous genes or causing position effects. This provides single copy integration, predictable expression patterns, and reproducible results across founder lines, unlike random integration.

Tamoxifen inducible Cre (CreER) enables permanent genetic changes with temporal control. Doxycycline inducible (Tet) enables reversible transgene expression control. CreER provides permanent effects after induction; Tet provides reversible on/off control. Selection depends on whether you need permanent modification or reversible expression.