Methods for Detection of Ptc1-Driven LacZ Expression in Adult Mouse Skin

The Ptc-lacZ reporter mice are a highly utilized animal model for studying both normal tissue development and cancer. Identifying cell specific activation of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is essential to understand the effects of this critical and complex signaling pathway. β-gal detection in tissues can be difficult, with various staining procedures yielding differential results. Thus, detailed information on staining protocols is essential for determining the ideal method for a given study. Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining of X-Gal stained tissues can provide further insight into other key players in Hh signaling activation.