PT 
EN Welcome
The Laboratory of Support to Research in Molecular Medicine was created to promote the development of medical research.
With this new Laboratory, the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto offers the Academy, Centro Hospitalar de São João and other health-related institutions, logistical, operational and consulting services in the context of biomedical research projects, as well as custom laboratory services, mutant and transgenic mouse models production, and scientific training.
LAIMM operates in state-of-the-art facilities equipped with high-end laboratory instrumentation located at the Centre of Medical Research of the Faculty of Medicine of Porto (CIM-FMUP), and counts on a group of qualified researchers specialised in various scientific areas.
You're invited to browse our website where you can find detailed information about LAIMM and the services provided.
UAMT
Mutant and Transgenic Animal Unit
The Mutant and Transgenic Animal Unit is operated by the Laboratory of Support to Research in Molecular Medicine (LAIMM) in partnership with the General Animal Facility of FMUP.
The UAMT was established in 2013 in response to the growing interest and need of the scientific community at FMUP and other institutions for the technology of genetic manipulation of experimental animals.
The UAMT provides services for the production of mutant mice using CRISPR/Cas technology (knock-out, knock-in, transgenics) as well as homologous recombination (gene targeting) by blastocyst injection of genetically manipulated ES cells, in the context of experimental projects approved by the DGAV.
Additionally, the UAMT provides a portfolio of services such as, for example, the rederivation of mutant and transgenic mouse lines.
Microinjection of genetically modified ES cells into 8-cell stage CD1 mouse embryo. © 2014 UAMT
Services
Presently, the UAMT provides the following services:
ES cell Injection
Injection of embryonic stem cells into blastocysts to produce chimeric mice with germline transmission of the genetic modification.
Pronuclear DNA Microinjection
Injection of DNA into the male pronucleus of mouse zygotes for the production of transgenic mice or embryos.
Mouse Line Rederivation
Surgical and non-surgical implantation of embryos in the uteri of pathogen-free females for intra-uterine development to term.
Transfection of ES cells
Introduction of DNA into embryonic stem cells by electroporation for stable integration via homologous recombination or random integration for ES cell-mediated transgenesis.
Generation of Chimeras by Aggregation
Combining ES cells, diploid and tetraploid embryos in culture to produce chimeric embryos.
Vasectomy and Other Surgical Procedures
Surgical sterilization of male mice by severing and tying the vasa deferentia, to use for pseudo-impregnation of recipient females.
About UATM
Facilities
The Mutant and Transgenic Animal Unit operates in dedicated facilities at the Department of Biomedicine and the General Animal Facility of FMUP.
At the DEB, the UAMT consists of a laboratory equipped to carry out embryo collection, micromanipulation, microinjection, culture and transfer, in sanitary conditions classified as conventional vivarium.
The General Animal Facility houses all animals used by the UAMT in two distinct sanitary areas: a conventional area, of controlled access and where staff wear personal protective equipment; and the SPF (specific pathogen-free) or biological barrier area, where entry is limited to animal care and UAMT core personnel only. Entrance is done through a shower facility and the staff operate with full personal protective equipment. All equipment and materials are sterilized prior to being transferred into this area.
All animals introduced into the conventional and barrier areas are rederived by embryo transfer or introduced directly if originated from accredited facilities of recognized health status and bearing valid health screening reports.
At the General Animal Facility, the UAMT is provided with rooms for surgical and non surgical procedures (e.g. oviduct/uterine transfer and embryo collection, respectively), as well as rooms for animal housing and breeding.
Personnel
Miguel Luz Soares, Ph.D. – Head of Unit / Specialist Researcher
Tel. 22 042 6779
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Carlos Daniel Vasconcelos, B.Sc. – Specialist Technician
Tel. 22 042 6733
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António Carlos Ferreira, Ph.D. - Researcher
Tel. 22 042 6733
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Contact information
Laboratory of Support to Research in Molecular Medicine
Department of Biomedicine - Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto
Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
Tel: (+351) 22 042 6779
Fax: (+351) 22 551 3655