A Pig-a conditional knock-out mice model mediated by Vav-iCre: stable GPI-deficient and mild hemolysis

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria is a clonal disease caused by PIG-A mutation of hematopoietic stem cells. At present, there is no suitable PNH animal model for basic research, therefore, it is urgent to establish a stable animal model. We constructed a Pig-a conditional knock-out mice model by ES targeting technique and Vav-iCre. The expressions of GPI and GPI-AP were almost completely absent in CKO homozygote mice, and the proportion of the deficiency remained stable from birth. In CKO heterozygote mice, the proportion of the deficiency of GPI and GPI-AP was partially absent and decreased gradually from birth until it reached a stable level at 3 months after birth and remained there for life. Compared with normal C57BL/6N mice and Flox mice, pancytopenia was found in CKO homozygous mice, and leukopenia and anemia were found in CKO heterozygotes mice. Meanwhile, in CKO mice, the serum LDH, TBIL, IBIL, complement C5b-9 levels were increased, and the concentration of plasma FHb was increased. Hemosiderin granulosa cells can be seen more easily in the spleens of CKO mice. What's more, CKO mice had stable transcription characteristics. In conclusion, our mouse model has stable GPI-deficient and mild hemolysis, which may be an ideal in vivo experimental model for PNH.