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Ovarian Tissue Culture to Visualize Phenomena in Mouse Ovary
Published on: June 19, 2018
Generation and characterization of a complete null estrogen receptor alpha mouse using Cre/LoxP technology
Ming Chen1, Andrew Wolfe, Xi Wang
1George Whipple Lab for Cancer Research, Departments of Pathology and Urology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry
|October 28, 2008
Summary
Researchers developed a new floxed estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) mouse model for precise in vivo studies. This model allows for complete ERalpha knockout in specific tissues, overcoming limitations of previous models.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Genetics
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Conventional ERalpha knockout mice express a truncated protein with residual activity, hindering in vivo studies.
- Existing models lack the ability for tissue-specific and temporal control of ERalpha deletion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To generate a floxed ERalpha mouse line enabling complete and specific ERalpha knockout in selected cell types.
- To establish a reliable model for investigating ERalpha function in vivo.
Main Methods:
- Generation of floxed ERalpha mice utilizing a self-excising ACN (tACE-Cre/Neo) cassette.
- Crossbreeding floxed ERalpha mice with ACTB-Cre mice to achieve ERalpha deletion.
- Analysis of ERalpha target gene expression (G-6-PD, lactoferrin) in the uterus.
Main Results:
- ACTB-Cre/ERalpha(-/-) mice exhibited complete absence of ERalpha protein.
- Over 90% reduction in ERalpha target gene expression in the uterus of ACTB-Cre/ERalpha(-/-) mice.
- ACTB-Cre/ERalpha(-/-) females displayed reproductive abnormalities including infertility and polycystic ovaries.
Conclusions:
- The newly developed floxed ERalpha mouse model provides a reliable tool for studying ERalpha roles in specific tissues.
- Complete ERalpha knockout in this model offers an improved system for in vivo research on ERalpha function.
