Summary

Dr. William J. Muller completed his Ph.D. in 1986 at McMaster University with his original research focus on tumour virology, but following his Ph.D., he developed a strong interest in developing transgenic mice as cancer models. Dr. Muller was very involved in establishing the field of genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) of breast cancer. These GEMMs, shared widely by Dr. Muller with colleagues worldwide, have proven invaluable for understanding breast cancer. The GEMMs have been a significant factor in the development of breast cancer therapies, from targeted therapies against driving oncogenes to the latest immunotherapies and continue to be relied on for innovative translational studies by Dr. Muller and many others.

Jackson Laboratory (JAX) is an independent, non-profit biomedical research organization that uses a unique combination of research, education and resources to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in its shared quest to improve human health. McMaster has a partnership with Jackson Labs since 1995, allowing them to breed, use, distribute, and sell some of Dr. Muller’s mice on McMaster’s behalf.

Mice currently housed at JAX are:

• FVB/N-Tg(MMTV-PyVT)634Mul/J (JAX Stock#002374)
• FVB/N-Tg(MMTVneu)202Mul/J (JAX Stock#002376)
• B6.FVB-Tg(MMTV-PyVT)634Mul/LellJ (JAX Stock 022974)

This partnership supports both academic and commercial research. MILO handles licensing Dr. Muller’s mice to commercial/industry, and Jackson Labs then fulfills the orders for live, frozen (or in-fixative) mice. Jackson Labs processes all non-profit academic research licenses directly.

Featured in our 2023 Annual Report: Licensing biomedical research tools to advance global health

Image obtained from: https://www.criver.com/eureka/transgenic-mouse-models-as-alternatives