The Cell Center was established to offer the greatest variety of bioreagents possible while maintaining maximum convenience and savings of time and money to investigators throughout both the Medical Center and the University of Pennsylvania in its entirety.

Cell Center Services, the service component of the Cell Center provides training, services in various cell culture, and associated procedures in addition to preparing specialized cell culture media and molecular biological reagents.

The DNA Sequencing Facility provides reliable, long read, high throughput sequencing with fast turnaround; microsatellite-based genotyping and fragment sizing; scanning of genes for mutation and SNP discovery by DHPLC; template preparation and purification; and related molecular biological services including mutagenesis and construction of targeting vector..

The Penn Gene Targeting Service (PGT) introduces any mutation into any gene of the 129 or C57BL6 mouse. PGT designs and constructs (together with the DNA Sequencing Core) BAC derived gene targeting vectors and electroporates them into 129 and C57BL6 ES cell lines. To produce the corresponding mice positive ES cell clones are injected into blastocysts in collaboration with the Transgenic Core. PGT also develops new C57BL6 ES cell technology for high throughput use.

The Genetic Diagnostic Laboratory and Referral Service provides state-of-the-art DNA-based diagnostic testing for a variety of genetic conditions and diseases, as well as prenatal and predictive testing and genetic counseling services.

The Transgenic and Chimeric Mouse Facility provides centralized services that include DNA injection into fertilized oocytes, ES cell injection into blastocysts, Embryo and Sperm cryopreservation, IVF, and line rederivation.