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Updated: May 21, 2026
Reprogramming Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts with Transcription Factors to Induce a Hemogenic Program
Published on: December 16, 2016
Characterization of a novel fibroblast growth factor 10 (Fgf10) knock-in mouse line to target mesenchymal progenitors
Elie El Agha1, Denise Al Alam, Gianni Carraro
1German Center for Lung Research, Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Giessen, Hessen, Germany. saverio.bellusci@innere.med.uni-giessen.de
Abstract:
Fibroblast growth factor 10 (Fgf10) is a key regulator of diverse organogenetic programs during mouse development, particularly branching morphogenesis. Fgf10-null mice suffer from lung and limb agenesis as well as cecal and colonic atresia and are thus not viable. To date, the Mlcv1v-nLacZ-24 transgenic mouse strain (referred to as Fgf10(LacZ)), which carries a LacZ insertion 114 kb upstream of exon 1 of Fgf10 gene, has been the only strain to allow transient lineage tracing of Fgf10-positive cells. Here, we describe a novel Fgf10(Cre-ERT2) knock-in line (Fgf10(iCre)) in which a Cre-ERT2-IRES-YFP cassette has been introduced in frame with the ATG of exon 1 of Fgf10 gene. Our studies show that Cre-ERT2 insertion disrupts Fgf10 function. However, administration of tamoxifen to Fgf10(iCre); Tomato(flox) double transgenic embryos or adult mice results in specific labeling of Fgf10-positive cells, which can be lineage-traced temporally and spatially. Moreover, we show that the Fgf10(iCre) line can be used for conditional gene inactivation in an inducible fashion during early developmental stages. We also provide evidence that transcription factors located in the first intron of Fgf10 gene are critical for maintaining Fgf10 expression over time. Thus, the Fgf10(iCre) line should serve as a powerful tool to explore the functions of Fgf10 in a controlled and stage-specific manner.
Insights
A new Fgf10(iCre) mouse model allows precise temporal and spatial lineage tracing of Fibroblast Growth Factor 10 (Fgf10)-expressing cells. This tool enables conditional gene inactivation, advancing studies on Fgf10
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Fibroblast Growth Factor 10 (Fgf10) is crucial for organogenesis, particularly lung and limb development.
- Fgf10-null mice exhibit severe developmental defects and are non-viable.
- Existing transgenic models for Fgf10 lineage tracing have limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel inducible mouse model for temporal and spatial lineage tracing of Fgf10-expressing cells.
- To enable conditional gene inactivation of Fgf10 during development.
- To investigate the regulatory mechanisms of Fgf10 expression.
Main Methods:
- Generation of a novel Fgf10(Cre-ERT2) knock-in mouse line (Fgf10(iCre)).
- Administration of tamoxifen for inducible Cre-mediated recombination in Fgf10(iCre); Tomato(flox) mice.
- Analysis of Fgf10 expression and function during embryonic and adult stages.
- Investigation of intronic regulatory elements of the Fgf10 gene.
Main Results:
- The Fgf10(iCre) line allows specific and inducible labeling of Fgf10-positive cells.
- Tamoxifen administration enables temporal and spatial lineage tracing.
- The Fgf10(iCre) line facilitates conditional gene inactivation for studying Fgf10 function.
- Transcription factors in the Fgf10 first intron are critical for sustained Fgf10 expression.
Conclusions:
- The Fgf10(iCre) mouse line is a powerful tool for studying Fgf10 function in a controlled, stage-specific manner.
- This model advances research into the roles of Fgf10 in development and disease.
- Understanding Fgf10 regulation provides insights into developmental processes.
