The Mutant Mouse Resource and Research Center (MMRRC), the official National Institute of Health (NIH) repository of mouse models, is pleased to announce the availability of the Collaborative Cross mouse population for distribution. The Collaborative Cross (CC) is a multi-parental genetic reference mouse population derived from eight founder inbred strains, encompassing an extraordinary level of genetic diversity. The CC is an ideal population for studying complex traits and for identifying novel models of disease in the context of natural genetic variation.

This newly acquired collection has been deposited into the MMRRC at UNC. These strains have been available through the Systems Genetics Core Facility (SGCF) at UNC since 2012. The breeding of the CC lines started with 8 inbred founders obtained from the Jackson Laboratory. Breeding was performed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Kenya, Geniad, Ltd in Western Australia, and the Jackson Laboratory.

The CC collection is composed of 63 strains. Each CC strain has deep and uniform genetic characterization including MiniMUGA consensus genotypes, haplotype mosaics, and whole genome sequences. All but 8 strains are >95% inbred as of 2020 (range 88-100%). The CC strains are listed on the MMRRC’s website (here).

Experimental cohorts and breeding pairs/trios are available. The CC collection is maintained as repository live (i.e., continuously bred). Note that breeding productivity and order queues can affect fulfillment dates, and the MMRRC may recommend delivery of orders in batches. For ordering inquiries, please contact MMRRC_CC@unc.edu.