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Transgenic mice for a tamoxifen-induced, conditional expression of the Cre recombinase in osteoclasts

Maria Arantzazu Sanchez-Fernandez1, Silvia Sbacchi, Miguel Correa-Tapia

  • 1Biotechnology Center, Dresden University of Technology, Tatzberg, Dresden, Germany.

Plos One
|May 25, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Researchers created new transgenic mice for studying osteoclasts (bone-resorbing cells). These mice allow conditional gene deletion in osteoclasts using tamoxifen, aiding bone research.

Area of Science:

  • Osteoclast Biology
  • Genetics
  • Mouse Models

Background:

  • Studying osteoclasts, crucial for bone resorption, has been challenging.
  • Lack of tools for conditional gene manipulation in osteoclasts limits research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a transgenic mouse model for conditional gene knockout in osteoclasts.
  • To enable temporal and cell-specific gene deletion in osteoclasts.

Main Methods:

  • Generated transgenic mice expressing tamoxifen-inducible Cre recombinase under the cathepsin K (CtsK) promoter.
  • Utilized Rosa26LacZ reporter mice to assess Cre activity specificity.
  • Performed PCR and histological analyses on embryos and adult mice.

Main Results:

  • Cre activity was confirmed to be largely restricted to bone tissue in CtsKCreERT2 mice.
  • In vitro studies showed tamoxifen-inducible Cre-dependent beta-galactosidase activity in primary osteoclasts.
  • Demonstrated successful generation of mice for conditional gene manipulation.

Conclusions:

  • Developed CtsKCreERT2 transgenic mice for tamoxifen-inducible, conditional gene deletion in osteoclasts.
  • This tool circumvents issues like embryonic lethality and off-target gene deletion.
  • Enables in vivo study of osteoclast function across developmental stages and adulthood.

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