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Pitx3-CreER mice showing restricted Cre expression in developing ocular lens and skeletal muscles
Hai-Yan Qiu1, Chao Guo, Xue-Wen Cheng
1Institute of Neuroscience and State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
Abstract:
To generate temporally controlled inactivation or activation of interested genes in Pitx3-expressing cells, the tamoxifen-inducible form of Cre, CreER(T2), was inserted into the Pitx3 locus of a mouse BAC clone. Following a single dose of tamoxifen, Cre activity in Pitx3-CreER(T2) transgenic mice was observed in the ocular lens and skeletal muscles but not in the central nervous system at various embryonic stages. This mouse line provides a reagent for driving inducible Cre-dependent recombination in the lens and skeletal muscles during embryonic development.
Insights
Researchers developed a new mouse model for studying gene function. This Pitx3-CreER(T2) mouse allows for tamoxifen-inducible gene manipulation specifically in ocular lens and skeletal muscles during embryonic development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
- Mouse Models
Background:
- Precise control over gene expression is crucial for understanding developmental processes.
- Existing tools may lack specificity or temporal control in certain cell populations.
- The Pitx3 gene plays a role in the development of specific tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a transgenic mouse line for temporally controlled gene manipulation.
- To target gene inactivation or activation specifically in Pitx3-expressing cells.
- To provide a tool for studying embryonic development in the ocular lens and skeletal muscles.
Main Methods:
- Insertion of the tamoxifen-inducible Cre recombinase (CreER(T2)) into the Pitx3 locus of a mouse BAC clone.
- Administration of a single dose of tamoxifen to induce Cre activity.
- Analysis of Cre activity patterns at various embryonic stages.
Main Results:
- Cre activity was successfully induced in Pitx3-CreER(T2) transgenic mice following tamoxifen administration.
- Observed Cre activity was localized to the ocular lens and skeletal muscles.
- No significant Cre activity was detected in the central nervous system.
Conclusions:
- The Pitx3-CreER(T2) mouse line enables inducible Cre-dependent recombination.
- This mouse model is effective for studying gene function in the embryonic lens and skeletal muscles.
- It serves as a valuable reagent for developmental and genetic research in these specific tissues.
