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Greetings from the RRRC

The RRRC provides a unique repository service to the biomedical community

Our overall goal is to provide a center for accepting and distributing high quality, well characterized rat models to investigators. To this end, the RRRC will import rat strains and stocks important to the biomedical research community; rederive rats to a pathogen-free state; cryopreserve gametes and embryos; perform genotyping; provide infectious disease monitoring to assure the quality of the rats, and distribute live rats, cryopreserved germplasm or tissues to investigators. In addition, the RRRC performs a wide variety of fee-for-services designed to facilitate all aspects of rat-related research.

The RRRC provides a unique repository service to the biomedical community by importing, storing and distributing a vast number of rat strains; as well as performing research that improves the function of the Resource Center.

In addition to repository, cryostorage and distribution functions, the RRRC can facilitate acquisition of rat strains from other international repositories as well as provide specialized services, consultation and technical training to investigators using rat models.

The RRRC is located at the University of Missouri's Discovery Ridge Research Park and is supported by funding
from the National Institutes of Health (P40 OD011062).

08.25.2025

Why Research Resource Identifiers (RRIDs) Are Important

RRIDs are unique identifiers for key biological resources, genetically enigineered animals and reagents like antibodies.  Piekniewska et al. document how use of RRIDs improves trackability.  Importantly, better citation practices increase research rigor and reproducibility. 

07.30.2025

Animal Models and New Approach Methodologies (NAMs)

NAMs are lab (e.g., organoids and iPSCs) or computer-based methods intended to expand our tools for modeling human biology and disease. While this field is rapidly evolving, the need for animal models remains, especially for situations where a complex biological system is necessary. In addition, animal models serve as vital in vivo controls for the validation and verification of emerging NAMs.  

05.17.2025

Weather and Shipping

The welfare of the animals is of utmost importance and as we head into the summer months, inclement weather and excessive heat will delay/prevent shipments of live animals.  Be aware that hot temperatures between June and mid-September may negatively impact the ability of couriers to safely ship animals so please plan your live animal orders accordingly.

02.16.2025

In Need of a New Rat Model?

Need a new rat model?  The RRRC in conjunction with the MU Animal Modeling Core (AMC) can assist with the generation of transgenic rats, create knock-out and knock-in rats using CRISPR/Cas9 technology and genetically manipulate rat embryonic stem cells to make chimeric animals.  Contact us to discuss your rat model needs and how we can help.