Development of a steroidogenic factor 1/Cre transgenic mouse line
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Nathan C Bingham1, Sunita Verma-Kurvari, Luis F Parada
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390-8857, USA.
Abstract:
The Cre-loxP strategy provides an approach to disrupt genes in specific tissues and/or cell types, circumventing lethality associated with global knockouts or secondary effects due to gene inactivation at other sites. A critical component is the development of transgenes that target Cre expression to specific cell types. Here, we describe the use of bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) transgenesis to target Cre expression to tissues that express steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1, officially designated Nr5a1). Consistent with the SF-1 expression pattern, the SF-1 BAC directed Cre expression to the somatic cells of the gonads, the adrenal cortex, the anterior pituitary, the spleen, and the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus. This transgene provides a powerful tool to inactivate genes of interest in these tissues.
Insights
This study introduces a new tool using bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) transgenesis to target Cre recombinase expression. This BAC enables gene disruption in specific tissues expressing steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1).
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- The Cre-loxP system allows for targeted gene disruption.
- Developing cell-type-specific Cre expression is crucial for genetic studies.
- Global gene knockouts can cause lethality or off-target effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a transgenic tool for targeted gene inactivation.
- To direct Cre recombinase expression to tissues expressing steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1).
Main Methods:
- Utilized bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) transgenesis.
- Developed an SF-1 BAC transgene to drive Cre expression.
Main Results:
- The SF-1 BAC successfully directed Cre expression to specific tissues.
- Expression was observed in gonads, adrenal cortex, anterior pituitary, spleen, and ventromedial hypothalamus.
- Confirmed SF-1 BAC accurately reflects SF-1 expression patterns.
Conclusions:
- The SF-1 BAC transgene is a valuable tool for researchers.
- Enables targeted gene inactivation in SF-1 expressing cells.
- Facilitates studies on the function of genes in these specific tissues.
