A simple and convenient method for preparing chimeric animals from embryonic stem (ES) cells

Gene targeting in embryonic stem (ES) cells followed by preparation of chimeric animals is the most effective method to study the function of a gene during development and differentiation. Here, we describe a cost effective and convenient method to produce chimeric animals. Cryopreserved 8-16 cell mouse embryos were aggregated with ES cells in microwell petridishes (Khillan & Bao, 1997) to obtain blastocysts. Also, freshly isolated morulas were aggregated with ES cells that were positive for the green florescent protein (GFP). After overnight culture, the blastocysts that exhibited GFP florescence were transferred to the pseudo-pregnant mothers to obtain chimeric animals. The animals displayed high degree of ES contribution and transmitted gene to their progeny after mating with the normal animals. The studies demonstrate that the aggregation with cryopreserved embryos followed by the pre-selection for a visual marker can be a high throughput and cost effective method to create chimeric animals from the gene targeted ES cells.