The UCSF Mouse Inventory Database Application, an Open Source Web App for Sharing Mutant Mice Within a Research...

Area of Science:

• Genetics and Genomics
• Bioinformatics
• Laboratory Animal Science

Background:

• Academic institutions maintain valuable collections of mutant alleles, transgenes, and inbred mouse strains.
• Sharing these genetic resources is crucial for advancing research but can be logistically challenging.
• Existing methods for tracking and accessing mouse lines may be fragmented or inefficient.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the UCSF Mouse Inventory Database Application, an open-source web tool.
• To facilitate the sharing of genetic mouse resources within the UCSF community.
• To provide a model for other institutions to implement similar inventory systems.

Main Methods:

• Developed an open-source web application to catalog mouse resources.
• Compiled inventory data from purchases, transfers, and user submissions.
• Integrated data with public genetic databases for verification and enrichment.
• Stored data in a secure, searchable university network database.

Main Results:

• The application provides a centralized inventory of mutant alleles, transgenes, and inbred strains.
• It identifies investigators maintaining specific mouse lines.
• The system enhances resource sharing, reduces costs, and improves access to rare mouse models.

Conclusions:

• The UCSF Mouse Inventory Database Application effectively centralizes and shares valuable genetic mouse resources.
• The described system promotes collaboration and accessibility of mouse models.
• This approach offers a scalable solution for other institutions seeking to manage their mouse inventories.