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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Structure-function Studies in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells Using Recombinase-mediated Cassette Exchange

Structure-function Studies in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells Using Recombinase-mediated Cassette Exchange

Published on: April 27, 2017

Mapping cell fate and function using recombinase-based intersectional strategies.

Susan M Dymecki¹, Russell S Ray, Jun C Kim

¹Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Methods in Enzymology

|August 12, 2010

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study presents an intersectional genetic method using two recombinase systems to precisely target specific cell types in mice. This approach enables high-resolution cell fate mapping and functional studies by activating transgenes only in cells with a defined gene expression profile.

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Last Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Structure-function Studies in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells Using Recombinase-mediated Cassette Exchange

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Published on: April 27, 2017

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Cell Lineage Analyses and Gene Function Studies Using Twin-spot MARCM

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Area of Science:

Genetics
Neuroscience
Developmental Biology

Background:

Cell types are defined by complex gene expression patterns, not single genes.
Precise cell targeting is essential for advanced biological research.
Existing methods may lack the specificity needed for complex cell populations.

Purpose of the Study:

To describe an intersectional genetic method for highly selective cell targeting in vivo.
To enable precise cell fate mapping and functional manipulation.
To facilitate the study of specific cell subsets in the mouse.

Main Methods:

Utilizing two orthogonal recombinase systems (Cre/loxP and Flp/FRT).
Employing a double STOP cassette to control transgene expression.
Activating reporter, sensor, or effector transgenes in cells with a specific combination of driver genes.

Main Results:

Demonstrated successful activation of transgenes in precisely defined cell populations.
Showcased the utility of the method for cell-lineage tracing and functional studies.
Validated the specificity of the intersectional targeting strategy.

Conclusions:

Intersectional genetic strategies offer powerful tools for dissecting complex biological systems.
This method provides a robust approach for targeting specific cell types in mice.
Encourages the adoption of intersectional and binary methods for cell-specific research.