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Skeletal defects in Osterix-Cre transgenic mice
1Department of Developmental Biology, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, 188 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA, wei_huang@hms.harvard.edu.
Abstract:
Cre/loxP recombination is a powerful strategy widely used for in vivo conditional gene targeting. This technique has made possible many important discoveries of gene function in normal and disease biology. However, due to the transgenic nature of most Cre mouse strains undesired phenotypes occasionally occur in Cre mice. Here we report skeletal defects in Osterix-Cre (Osx-Cre) transgenic mice including delayed calvarial ossification and fracture calluses at multiple skeletal sites. These data suggest that Osx-Cre containing controls should be used for both in vivo and in vitro skeletal analyses of conditional knockout mice generated with this Osx-Cre mouse strain.
Insights
Osterix-Cre (Osx-Cre) transgenic mice exhibit skeletal defects, including delayed bone formation and fracture healing. Researchers recommend using Osx-Cre controls for accurate skeletal studies involving this widely used gene-targeting tool.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Cre/loxP recombination is a key technology for conditional gene targeting in vivo.
- This system enables significant discoveries in gene function for normal and disease biology.
- Transgenic Cre mouse strains can exhibit unintended phenotypes, complicating research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate skeletal abnormalities in Osterix-Cre (Osx-Cre) transgenic mice.
- To determine the necessity of Osx-Cre controls in skeletal research.
- To highlight potential confounding factors in studies using Osx-Cre mice.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of skeletal development in Osx-Cre transgenic mice.
- Phenotypic characterization of bone ossification and fracture healing.
- Comparative assessment of Osx-Cre mice and appropriate controls.
Main Results:
- Osx-Cre mice displayed delayed calvarial ossification.
- Multiple skeletal sites in Osx-Cre mice showed impaired fracture callus formation.
- These findings indicate inherent skeletal defects in the Osx-Cre mouse model.
Conclusions:
- Osterix-Cre (Osx-Cre) transgenic mice possess inherent skeletal defects.
- Osx-Cre mice are unsuitable as controls for skeletal research without careful consideration.
- Researchers must use appropriate Osx-Cre controls for in vivo and in vitro skeletal analyses.
