At the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the "Mouse House" is more than just a memory; it represents a significant chapter in the study of genetics — and a powerful example of how legacy research can still fuel Â鶹ӰÒô today.
Established in the mid-20th century by Bill and Liane Russell, this humble animal facility housed at the nearby Y-12 facility was crucial in advancing foundational research in the field, including consequential research about the genetic effects of radiation on mammals and the discovery that the mammalian Y chromosome is male-determining. Several decades later, the influence of that pioneering work has reached across the Atlantic, culminating in an intriguing material transfer agreement, or MTA, that revitalizes this important scientific heritage.
This MTA, between ORNL and the Mary Lyon Centre at the UK’s Medical Research Council, or MRC, Harwell, stands out from the agreements typically associated with ORNL materials. As Andreana Leskovjan, senior commercialization manager at ORNL, said, "Typically, when we do an MTA, the materials come directly from ORNL. This one was unique because we were essentially giving the Mary Lyon Centre permission to hold our material — original mouse strains dating back to the 1990s, developed by researchers who are no longer here — and distribute it on our behalf for academic purposes."
This chapter began when Samuel Akpogheneta from the Mary Lyon Centre contacted ORNL. The center had, through a historical collaboration some 30 years prior, acquired and maintained these valuable mouse strains. Recognizing their potential continued impact on global research, Akpogheneta sought to formalize the center’s ability to distribute the material with clear authority.
"The Mouse House research is foundational to ORNL’s history. The fact that these strains could continue to impact science and discovery worldwide is really exciting. It’s a privilege to resurrect this work and get an MTA in place," said Susan Ochs, the engagements program manager in ORNL’s Technology Transfer Office.
The technology at the heart of this agreement lies in the unique genetic characteristics of the preserved mouse strains. These strains, developed decades ago, likely possess specific genetic mutations or traits that make them invaluable models for studying various biological processes and diseases. While the exact research focus of the original ORNL scientists might be historical knowledge, the continued demand for these strains underscores their enduring scientific relevance.
This MTA and the subsequent licenses it enables have the potential to significantly accelerate research in areas such as novel gene therapies for genetic diseases, as evidenced by the first commercial client, a company in Spain. By providing access to these well-characterized genetic models, researchers can gain deeper insights into disease mechanisms and develop innovative treatments.
Looking ahead, this agreement could be a compelling model for future collaborations involving the preservation and distribution of unique research materials. It demonstrates a creative approach to maximizing the impact of legacy research, ensuring valuable resources remain accessible to the global scientific community while also providing a pathway for potential commercialization.
The story of ORNL's Mouse House genetics and its transatlantic journey highlights more than the value of scientific resources — it highlights how thoughtful stewardship can unlock new collaborations across time and borders.
UT-Battelle manages ORNL for the Department of Energy’s Office of Science, the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States. The Office of Science is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit .&²Ô²ú²õ±è;– Olivia Moore
