Conditional gene targeting on the pure C57BL/6 genetic background

Neurosci Res. 2007 Jun;58(2):105-12. doi: 10.1016/j.neures.2007.01.004. Epub 2007 Jan 18.

Abstract

Brain functions are the products of dynamic interactions between multiple genes and environments. Accordingly, there are large differences among mouse strains at the behavioral and neurobiological levels. Therefore, it is crucial to manipulate genes on the same and homogenous genetic background and then to analyze and compare the phenotypes of various genetically modified mice. Furthermore, a conditional gene targeting to restrict the gene knockout to specific cells and time is a powerful tool to investigate the molecular basis of higher brain functions such as learning and memory. We have developed a system employing Cre-progesterone receptor fusion recombinase for temporal regulation of gene targeting and Flp/frt recombination system for elimination of marker genes. Importantly, both the recombinase lines and target mice have been produced with embryonic stem cells derived from the C57BL/6 strain suitable for brain function analysis. Thus, we have established an inducible and neuron-specific gene targeting system on the pure C57BL/6 genetic background.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Embryo, Mammalian
  • Embryonic Stem Cells / physiology
  • Gene Targeting*
  • Integrases
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL / embryology
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL / genetics*
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL / metabolism
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Models, Biological
  • Receptors, Progesterone / genetics*
  • Receptors, Progesterone / metabolism
  • Recombination, Genetic

Substances

  • Receptors, Progesterone
  • Cre recombinase
  • Integrases