History

An invaluable tool in biomedical research has been the genetically modified (GM) animal. With the introduction of transgenic and gene knockout/in technologies, animals (mostly mice and rats) have proven to be necessary for modeling genetic disease, assigning functions to genes, evaluating and validating drugs and overall helping to answer fundamental questions in research. Having consulted and received guidance and recommendations from the Quebec transgenic research community, it became apparent that in order for us to maintain a competitive advantage at a national and international level we must work together towards focusing our efforts.

There is an urgent need for development of indigenous capabilities for both production and utilization of transgenic animals in Quebec. Streamlining of services available and development of standard operating procedures are also urgently needed.

Owing to a contribution from Valorisation-Recherche Québec (VRQ), the Quebec Transgenic Research Network (QTRN), has been formed to bring together and strengthen GM animal research in Quebec with the goal of partnering our research endeavors to the international mouse and rat research community. The Network functions as a virtual core with satellite facilities, identified with the appropriate expertise and capacity, within the scientific community. The founding network members include the following universities: Laval, McGill, Montreal, Sherbrooke and INRS-Armand Frappier.
© CRED 2008-2009