| Mouse strains for COVID-19 related researches |
1) Efforts of RIKEN BRC promoting COVID-19 related researches
RIKEN BioResource Research Center (BRC) is a unique repository in the world, as it collects and distributes bioresources of three different levels, i.e., genetic materials (genomic and cDNA clones) and cell lines of human and animal origins as well mouse strains. With this unique feature, RIKEN BRC hopes to contribute to the comprehensive research and development on COVID-19. The research and developments have been focusing on the following four subjects: 1) SARS-CoV-2 infection and proliferation, 2) Pathogenesis and host defense, 3) Disease progression to clinically severe cases and 4) Development of effective therapies of COVID-19 patients and preventive vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Mouse is one of the most important mammalian models that allows experiments in a whole body that cannot or should not be done in human. It is particularly useful for elucidation of mechanisms of disease pathogenesis and progression to serious clinical conditions in COVID-19. RIKEN BRC will endeavor to promote COVID-19 related researches by providing mouse and other resources that help basic researches of COVID-19. Furthermore, we will collaborate with research institutions and consortia in the world to provide information to support and accelerate COVID-19 related researches.
The list of mouse strains useful for COVID-19 R&D from RIKEN BRC are shown in 3).
2) The Global Mouse Models for COVID-19 Consortium (GMMCC)
RIKEN BRC has joined to the GMMCC which consists of research centers and repositories for mouse genetics, genomics, and functional assessment. The GMMCC underpin global research into COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 by the efficient delivery of relevant mouse strains, mouse genetics expertise, as well as by dispatching information on outcome, therapeutic effects and safety testing platforms.
3) List of available mouse strains for COVID-19 related researches from RIKEN BRC
| Category | Genes and underlying diseases associated with COVID-19 | Available mouse strains from RIKEN BRC |
|---|---|---|
| 1) SARS-CoV-2 infection and -proliferation | Itgal, Apn, Trim25, Nrp1 | List of strains |
| 2) Pathogenesis and host defense | Tnf, Agt, Il6, Il6st, Jak1, Mavs | List of strains |
| 3) Disease progression to clinically severe cases | Diabetes, hypertension and cardiac insufficiency. | List of strains |
4) Other bioresources available from RIKEN BRC
SARS-CoV-2 relevant human genetic colones (Gene Engineering Division)
Cell line resources for COVID-19 researches (Cell Engineering Division)
