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Cre recombinase expression in cerebellar Purkinje cells
Author(s) -
Barski Jaroslaw J.,
Dethleffsen Kathrin,
Meyer Michael
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
genesis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.093
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1526-968X
pISSN - 1526-954X
DOI - 10.1002/1526-968x(200011/12)28:3/4<93::aid-gene10>3.0.co;2-w
Subject(s) - purkinje cell , cre recombinase , cerebellum , biology , genetically modified mouse , cerebellar cortex , transgene , recombinase , neuroscience , microbiology and biotechnology , retina , gene , genetics , recombination
Summary: The cerebellar cortex and its sole output, the Purkinje cell, have been implicated in motor coordination, learning and cognitive functions. Therefore, the ability to generate Purkinje cell‐specific mutations in physiologically relevant genes is of particular neurobiological interest. A suitable approach is the Cre/loxP strategy that allows temporally and spatially controlled gene inactivation. Here, we present the characterization of transgenic mouse strains expressing Cre recombinase controlled by the L7/pcp‐2 gene. Endogenous L7/pcp‐2 protein is expressed exclusively in Purkinje cells and retinal bipolar neurones. Recombination was detected by β‐galactosidase histochemistry in tissues from crosses of the L7/pcp‐2:Cre transgenic lines with two different indicator strains, GtROSA26 and ACZL. Purkinje cells in all folia of the cerebellum displayed intense β‐galactosidase staining, whereas only few blue cells were observed in the retina and other parts of the CNS. Thus, these transgenic lines are potentially of great importance for genetic manipulations in cerebellar Purkinje cells. genesis 28:93–98, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.