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Updated: Jun 9, 2026
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Mouse Genome Engineering Using Designer Nucleases
Published on: April 2, 2014
Mouse models for miRNA expression: the ROSA26 locus
1IFOM, The FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology Foundation, Milan, Italy.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|September 10, 2010
Summary
The ROSA26 locus in mouse embryonic stem cells enables ubiquitous gene expression. Researchers utilize this locus to create over 130 knock-in lines for various transgenes, offering controlled expression strategies.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- The ROSA26 locus was identified in 1991 through gene-trap mutagenesis in mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells.
- It exhibits ubiquitous expression across embryonic and adult tissues.
- High gene-targeting efficiency at this locus facilitates the creation of knock-in models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of methodologies for generating ROSA26 knock-in lines.
- To describe strategies for controlling transgene expression from the ROSA26 locus.
- To highlight the use of ROSA26 for temporal, cell-type, and stage-specific expression, including noncoding RNAs.
Main Methods:
- Gene-trap mutagenesis screening in mouse ES cells.
- Gene targeting to insert transgenes into the ROSA26 locus.
- Development of various strategies to drive and control transgene expression.
Main Results:
- Over 130 successful ROSA26 knock-in lines have been established.
- Transgenes include reporters, site-specific recombinases, and noncoding RNAs (e.g., miRNAs).
- Diverse methods allow for precise control over transgene expression patterns.
Conclusions:
- The ROSA26 locus is a valuable and versatile tool for genetic engineering in mice.
- It enables robust and controllable expression of transgenes for diverse research applications.
- This locus facilitates sophisticated studies in developmental biology and beyond.
