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Viral Tracing of Genetically Defined Neural Circuitry
Published on: October 17, 2012
A robust and high-throughput Cre reporting and characterization system for the whole mouse brain
Linda Madisen1, Theresa A Zwingman, Susan M Sunkin
1Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, Washington, USA.
Nature Neuroscience
|December 22, 2009
Summary
Researchers developed new Cre reporter mice for precise cell-specific gene expression in the brain. These mice offer robust fluorescence for visualizing neuronal structures and mapping circuits, aiding genetic manipulation studies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The Cre/lox system is crucial for cell-type-specific gene expression in mice.
- A need exists for a robust, universally responsive Cre-driven gene expression system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To generate novel Cre reporter mice with strong, ubiquitous expression of fluorescent proteins.
- To enable detailed visualization of neuronal structures and facilitate cell-type-specific genetic manipulation.
Main Methods:
- Development of Cre reporter mouse lines expressing fluorescent proteins.
- Utilizing a high-throughput in situ hybridization platform for gene expression profiling.
- Systematic profiling of Cre-directed gene expression across various Cre-driver lines in the mouse brain.
Main Results:
- Generated Cre reporter mice with strong, ubiquitous fluorescent protein expression across different spectra.
- Demonstrated robust native fluorescence for visualizing fine dendritic and axonal structures.
- Successfully profiled Cre-directed gene expression in multiple Cre-driver lines, including new cortical cell-type specific lines.
Conclusions:
- The new Cre reporter mice provide a powerful tool for neuronal circuit mapping and cell population tracking in vivo.
- The generated expression data, available in a public database, aids researchers in selecting appropriate Cre-driver lines for genetic studies.
