Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2026
10:00
The Zebrafish Tol2 System: A Modular and Flexible Gateway-Based Transgenesis Approach
Published on: November 30, 2022
G2R Cre reporter transgenic zebrafish
Shunichi Yoshikawa1, Koichi Kawakami, Xinping C Zhao
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
Summary
Researchers developed new zebrafish reporter lines to track Cre recombinase activity. These G2R fish change from green to red fluorescent protein, enabling precise gene manipulation and lineage tracing in zebrafish.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Zebrafish Model Systems
Background:
- The Cre/loxP system is crucial for in vivo DNA manipulation and gene function studies, primarily in mice.
- Adapting powerful genetic tools like Cre/loxP for zebrafish research is essential for expanding model system utility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To generate novel reporter transgenic zebrafish lines for visualizing Cre recombinase activity.
- To facilitate the development of cell type-specific Cre transgenics and lineage tracing in zebrafish.
Main Methods:
- Generation of G2R transgenic zebrafish expressing GFP and RFP fluorescent proteins.
- Utilizing the ubiquitous Xenopus EF1 alpha promoter for gene expression.
- Observing Cre-mediated recombination-induced color change from green to red.
Main Results:
- Successful creation of G2R zebrafish lines that exhibit a distinct color switch upon Cre activity.
- Demonstrated utility of G2R lines for detecting Cre recombination events in vivo.
- Established a valuable tool for future genetic studies in zebrafish.
Conclusions:
- The G2R zebrafish reporter lines provide an effective method for monitoring Cre recombinase activity.
- These lines are instrumental for advancing cell type-specific gene targeting and lineage mapping in zebrafish research.
