Related Experiment Videos
Primary spermatocyte-specific Cre recombinase activity in transgenic mice
Sanny S W Chung1, François Cuzin, Minoo Rassoulzadegan
1Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Medical Center, 630 W. 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA.
Transgenic Research
|September 14, 2004
Summary
We developed a new transgenic mouse model, Sycp1Cre, for precise gene deletion during male meiosis. This tool specifically targets Cre recombinase activity in spermatocytes, enabling focused research on male reproductive biology.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Genetics
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Cre recombinase is a key tool for genetic manipulation.
- Precise spatiotemporal control of Cre activity is crucial for studying gene function during specific developmental stages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the specificity of Cre recombinase activity driven by the synaptonemal complex protein 1 (Sycp1) gene promoter in transgenic mice.
- To establish a tool for targeted gene deletion during male meiosis.
Main Methods:
- Generation of Sycp1Cre transgenic mice.
- Crossing Sycp1Cre mice with the ROSA26 reporter (R26R) line.
- X-gal staining and histological examination of testes from offspring.
Main Results:
- Cre-mediated recombination was detected exclusively in the testis.
- Weak recombination was observed in zygotene spermatocytes (Stage XI).
- Robust recombination was observed in early to mid-late spermatocytes (Stages V-VIII).
Conclusions:
- The Sycp1Cre transgenic mouse line demonstrates high specificity for Cre activity during male meiosis.
- This model is a valuable tool for investigating gene functions specifically during male gametogenesis.