Genetically Engineered Models Core
Director
Robert Kesterson, PhD
Team Members
Kayla Fuselier, MS, PhD
Estrellita Bermudez, BA, BS, MNS
Bethani Bell, BS
About This Core
The Genetically Engineered Models (GEMs) Core at Pennington Biomedical Research Center
provides a full range of services for the creation and maintenance of genetically
modified rodent models. Supporting PBRC, the Louisiana Nutrition Obesity Research Center (NORC), Louisiana
State University campuses, and external collaborators, the GEMs Core employs advanced techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing and
traditional transgenic methods to precisely control gene expression. This includes
the generation of targeted knock-ins (e.g., reporters, SNPs, humanized genes), knockouts
(conditional and CRISPR-mediated), transgenes, and AAV vectors.
In addition to these advanced gene-editing services, the GEMs Core provides a range
of essential support, including recovery of cryopreserved strains, pathogen-free rederivation,
gamete cryopreservation, colony management consultation, and design services for cell
lines. The Core's cryopreservation services ensure the long-term maintenance of valuable
genetically modified strains, preserving research resources for future studies.
The mission of the core is to provide seamless "turnkey" services that guide investigators
through the entire process—from initial design consultation to the final production
of novel genetically engineered models. This comprehensive support allows investigators
to focus on their research, while GEMs handles the complexities of model generation. The
core is led by Dr. Robert Kesterson, with Dr. Kayla Fuselier serving as Assistant Director and overseeing gene targeting design, consultation
and production, GEM techniques, services development and project management. Estrellita Bermudez, the Lab Manager, oversees wet benchwork, tissue culture, procurement, and the Core's lab safety. Bethani Bell, a Research Associate and Microinjectionist,
focuses on GEM techniques and colony management. Sydney Jones, also a Research Associate,
assists with GEM techniques, colony management, and wet benchwork.
When using Core resources for your research, please acknowledge the following NIH
Center grants that fund the Core: COBRE P30-GM118430 - NORC P30 DK 072476.
Services Provided
- Production of genetically engineered mice and rats
- Construction of targeting vectors
- Knockout (KO)
- Conditional
- CRISPR mediated
- Knock-in (KI)
- Reporter knock-ins (EGFP, Luciferase, etc)
- Specialized projects (SNPs/Point Mutations/Patient Variants/”Humanized” alleles.)
- Microinjection or electroporation of Zygotes
- Embryo Transfer Surgeries: Zygote-Blastocyst
- Gene targeting consultation & design
- Knockout (KO)/Knock-in (KI) strategy design
- Conventional transgene techniques
- CRISPR mediated techniques
- Genotyping design and optimization
- AAV Vector Design/Construction
- Cryopreservation Services
- Sperm and Embryo
- Cryopreservation In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
- Recovery of cryopreserved strains
- Colony Management
- Breeding schemes
- Design and optimization of Genotyping
Staff
Robert Kesterson, PhD, Director
Kayla Fuselier, MS, PhD, Assistant Director
Gene targeting design, consultation, and production, transgenic animal techniques,
services development, project management
Estrellita (Trellee) Bermudez, MNS, Research Associate
Wet bench, tissue culture, lab management
Bethani Bell, Research Associate
transgenic animal techniques, colony management
Sydney Jones, Research Associate
GEM techniques, colony management, wet bench
