Rodent
Translating fundamental scientific discoveries into clinical applications and public health improvements is the core goal of biomedical research. Because animal models are essential for achieving physiologically relevant results, our Rodent Facility serves as a valuable resource, advancing our scientists’ understanding of various human diseases and driving the development of innovative treatments.
We support scientific research involving the use of mice (Mus musculus) and rats (Rattus norvegicus) while maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare. We are committed to the conscientious use of laboratory animals, advancing research through ethical practices and fostering a culture of care and respect for these animals. Recognized by the Portuguese competent authority, Direção-Geral de Alimentação e Veterinária (DGAV), our facility is licensed for breeding and animal use.
Operating across two sites in Lisbon and Oeiras, our facilities work synergistically to support high-quality biomedical research. This collaboration enhances our capabilities by optimizing and sharing resources, fostering scientific progress, and improving research outcomes. Our facility is overseen by a specialized team dedicated to upholding legal and ethical responsibilities to ensure the humane use of laboratory animals.
Contact
Iolanda Moreira | @: iolandamoreira@medicina.ulisboa.pt | Tel: +351 217 999 411
Lisbon site | @: imm-rodent@medicina.ulisboa.pt | Tel: +351 217 999 411
Oeiras site | @: jbom@igc.gulbenkian.pt | Tel: +351 214407921
🔗 Virtual tour (Lisbon Site)
https://imm.medicina.ulisboa.pt/facility/bioterio/virtual-tour
Rodent info
As a researcher using vertebrates, you must be accredited by the Direção Geral de Alimentação e Veterinária (DGAV) according to your role:
- EU Function A and D: carrying out procedures and euthanasia on animals.
- EU Function B: designing procedures and projects.
The Rodent Facility offers regular training courses for, according to the European Commission Expert Working Group Common Framework for Education and Training in Laboratory Animal Science.
Contact
@: imm-las@medicina.ulisboa.pt
All research projects using animals must be reviewed by the Animal Welfare Body and licensed by the National Competent Authority – Direção Geral de Alimentação e Veterinária (DGAV).
Contact
Lisbon site | @: imm-orbea@medicina.ulisboa.pt
Oeiras site | @: orbea@igc.gulbenkian.pt
To register for access to the Rodent Facility, researchers are required to complete an induction session , and familiarize themselves with the following rules and guidelines: Licensing procedures, facility layout and user access, animal admission protocols, personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, animal housing and husbandry practices, equipment usage guidelines, handling of special substances and infectious agents, rodent handling protocols, permitted materials and biological products, waste disposal procedures, safety protocols, and colony maintenance standards.
Contact
Iolanda Moreira | @: iolandamoreira@medicina.ulisboa.pt | Tel: +351 217 999 411
Lisbon site | @: imm-rodent@medicina.ulisboa.pt | Tel: +351 217 999 411
Oeiras site | @: jbom@igc.gulbenkian.pt | Tel: +351 214407921
All research projects using animals must be reviewed by the Animal Welfare Body and licensed by the National Competent Authority – Direção Geral de Alimentação e Veterinária (DGAV).
Contact
Lisbon site | @: imm-orbea@medicina.ulisboa.pt
Oeiras site | @: orbea@igc.gulbenkian.pt
To register for access to the Rodent Facility, researchers are required to complete an induction session , and familiarize themselves with the following rules and guidelines: Licensing procedures, facility layout and user access, animal admission protocols, personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, animal housing and husbandry practices, equipment usage guidelines, handling of special substances and infectious agents, rodent handling protocols, permitted materials and biological products, waste disposal procedures, safety protocols, and colony maintenance standards.
Contact
Iolanda Moreira | @: iolandamoreira@medicina.ulisboa.pt | Tel: +351 217 999 411
Lisbon site | @: imm-rodent@medicina.ulisboa.pt | Tel: +351 217 999 411
Oeiras site | @: jbom@igc.gulbenkian.pt | Tel: +351 214407921
Our animal facilities offer a comprehensive range of advanced services, including the breeding and maintenance of rodent colonies, the creation of customized genetic models, and support for a diverse array of research projects. These studies cover, but are not limited to, areas such as cancer, immune system function, inflammation, infection, metabolism, host-microbe interaction, behaviour, neurodegeneration, aging, and developmental biology. We offer these services to both internal researchers and external clients, based on a detailed evaluation of the research proposal and on a fee-for-service basis.
Services:
- Housing and husbandry
- Breeding services (SOPF and SPF) – mice and rats
- Colony management (PyRat Animal Facility Software)
- Experimental training, advice and support
- Project licensing
- Irradiation
- ABSL-2 and ABSL-3 areas
Advanced services:
- Germ-Free (Axenic) and Gnotobiology
- Metabolism
- Mouse Assisted Reproduction Techniques (In vitro Fertilization, rederivation, revitalization, strain rescue, germline cryopreservation – embryos and sperm)
- Circadian Rhythm Manipulation
Transgenic Mouse Models:
The Transgenic Unit is dedicated to the production of genetically modified mice using transgenic and gene-targeting methodologies, employing state-of-the-art techniques.
Production of transgenic mice
Production of transgenic mice via pronuclear microinjection of DNA using conventional expression constructs and bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) in FVB/N and C57Bl/6 strains.
Introduction of targeted modifications at endogenous genomic loci
Introduction of targeted modifications at endogenous genomic loci, employing conventional approaches mediated by embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and CRISPR/Cas9 technology in FVB/N and C57Bl/6 strains.
Production of transgenic and mutant mice under axenic conditions
In collaboration with the Axenic and Gnotobiology services, the unit produces transgenic and mutant mice under axenic (germ-free) and gnotobiotic conditions in C57Bl/6 and FVB/N strains.
Contact
Ana Nóvoa | @: anovoa@igc.gulbenkian.pt | Tel: +351 214464525
Equipped with specialized equipment and staffed by experts in advanced technologies, our facility provides state-of-the-art support to researchers.
The facility features distinct areas with specific health statuses, including animal holding rooms dedicated to the breeding of transgenic rodents under SOPF (Specified-Pathogen-Free) and SPF (Specific-Pathogen-Free) conditions; SPF and VAF (Virus Antibody Free) experimental rooms; and highly specialized areas for studies involving germ-free (axenic) animals, gnotobiology, and metabolism. The facility also includes quarantine rooms and areas for studies conducted under ABSL-2 and ABSL-3 conditions.
With a combined capacity to accommodate 7,500 mouse cages and 110 rat cages across both sites, the Rodent Facility offers a range of services to support the work of various research groups. These services are available to both internal and external users upon request.
Both sites
Lisbon Site
Oeiras site
We strictly adhere to Portuguese Decree-Law 113/2013, which implements European Directive 2010/63/EU, and comply with the European Commission’s recommendations (2007/526/EC) on housing and care of animals. Our practices align with FELASA (Federation of European Laboratory Animal Science Associations) guidelines to ensure the highest standards of care and living conditions for our animals.
All research projects involving animal models must obtain approval from the Animal Welfare Body, established under Article 34 of Decree-Law 113/2013, and receive legal authorization from the competent authority before commencing.
The primary role of the Animal Welfare Body is to conduct ethical evaluations of research projects. This includes advising on animal welfare issues, implementing the 3Rs principle (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement), and assessing the justification of the proposed research and procedures.
The Animal Welfare Body provides oversight for project development and outcomes, fostering a culture of compassionate animal care.