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Related Concept Videos

In-vitro Mutagenesis01:16

In-vitro Mutagenesis

To learn more about the function of a gene, researchers can observe what happens when the gene is inactivated or “knocked out,” by creating genetically engineered knockout animals. Knockout mice have been particularly useful as models for human diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and diabetes.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 15, 2026

Generation of Brown Fat-Specific Knockout Mice Using a Combined Cre-LoxP, CRISPR-Cas9, and Adeno-Associated Virus Single-Guide RNA System
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Published on: March 24, 2023

Lessons on conditional gene targeting in mouse adipose tissue.

Kevin Y Lee1, Steven J Russell, Siegfried Ussar

  • 1Section on Integrative Physiology and Metabolism, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

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Summary

Different "adipocyte-specific" Cre lines show varying recombination efficiency and specificity in fat tissue. Researchers must consider these differences when studying adipose biology to ensure accurate gene inactivation.

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Last Updated: May 15, 2026

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Localization, Identification, and Excision of Murine Adipose Depots
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Localization, Identification, and Excision of Murine Adipose Depots

Published on: December 4, 2014

Area of Science:

  • Adipocyte cell biology
  • Gene targeting
  • Transgenic models

Background:

  • Conditional gene targeting is crucial for in vivo analysis of gene function in adipocytes.
  • Debate exists regarding the tissue specificity and inactivation efficacy of commonly used Cre lines.
  • Understanding Cre line performance is vital for accurate adipose tissue research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To directly compare the specificity and efficacy of different Cre lines in mediating adipocyte-specific recombination.
  • To evaluate Cre-mediated recombination in adipose tissue using adipocyte protein 2 (aP2) and adiponectin (Adipoq) gene promoters.
  • To assess the performance of a tamoxifen-inducible Cre driven by the aP2 gene promoter (iaP2).

Main Methods:

  • Transgenic Cre lines (aP2-Cre, Adipoq-Cre, iaP2-Cre) were bred to the Rosa26R (R26R) reporter mouse.
  • Recombination was assessed in brown and white fat pads and other examined tissues.
  • Efficacy of Cre-mediated recombination was evaluated using different floxed loci.

Main Results:

  • All three Cre lines showed recombination in brown and white fat pads.
  • Adipoq-Cre demonstrated high specificity with no recombination in other tissues.
  • aP2-Cre lines exhibited recombination in heart endothelial cells and skeletal muscle, with germline recombination in ~2% of spermatozoa.

Conclusions:

  • "Adipocyte-specific" Cre lines vary significantly in their efficiency and specificity.
  • The choice of Cre line is critical and must be carefully considered for accurate adipose biology studies.
  • These findings highlight the importance of validating Cre line performance for specific research applications.