ABSTRACT
Genetically engineered strains of mice have become critical tools for biomedical research into the cause and treatment of human disease but the full scientific benefit of these strains will only be realized if they are made readily available to the scientific community. Clearly the current demand for archived strains and the rapidly growing demand for strains held by the Induced Mutant Resource have established the need and usefulness of central repositories to maintain and distribute these strains. Complete financial self-sufficiency requires that the cost of importation and cryopreservation be recovered as well as costs for strain development, genetic typing, maintenance and distribution. Genetic monitoring of strains constitutes one of the most expensive and necessary aspects of operating a repository for genetically engineered mice. Information gathered about mutants being considered for admission is presented to an internal Laboratory committee, the Genetic Resources Committee.
