Lessons from mouse chimaera experiments with a reiterated transgene marker:revised marker criteria and a review of chimaera markers

Recent reports of a new generation of ubiquitous transgenic chimaera markers prompted us to consider the criteria used to evaluate new chimaera markers and develop more objective assessment methods. To investigate this experimentally we used several series of fetal and adult chimaeras, carrying an older, multi-copy transgenic marker. We used two additional independent markers and objective, quantitative criteria for cell selection and cell mixing to investigate quantitative and spatial aspects of developmental neutrality. We also suggest how the quantitative analysis we used could be simplified for future use with other markers. As a result, we recommend a five-step procedure for investigators to evaluate new chimaera markers based partly on criteria proposed previously but with a greater emphasis on examining the developmental neutrality of prospective new markers. These five steps comprise (1) review of published information, (2) evaluation of marker detection, (3) genetic crosses to check for effects on viability and growth, (4) comparisons of chimaeras with and without the marker and (5) analysis of chimaeras with both cell populations labelled. Finally, we review a number of different chimaera markers and evaluate them using the extended set of criteria. These comparisons indicate that, although the new generation of ubiquitous fluorescent markers are the best of those currently available and fulfil most of the criteria required of a chimaera marker, further work is required to determine whether they are developmentally neutral. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11248-015-9883-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users

A new definition of \u27Museum\u27

At the national AGM of Museums Australia held on 22 Mar ch 2002, our association adopted a new definition of &lsquo;museum&rsquo;. This article aims to provide members and other readers with an understanding of the background to the change, and the potential offered to our sector by the new definition.<br /

Digital collections summit 2006: final report

This 2008 report brings together information shared by people working in archives, galleries, libraries and museums at the Digital Collections Summit convened by the Collections Council of Australia in 2006. It also incorporates feedback received in respect of the Australian Framework and Action Plan for Digital Heritage Collections arising from the Summit and released as an Exposure Draft in 2007. This report, completed in&nbsp;August 2008, also identifies the next steps in advancing the vision and objectives identified at the Summit and wa