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Identification of undescribed Relb expression domains in the murine brain by new Relb:cre‐katushka reporter mice
Author(s) -
Engelmann Christian,
Riemann Marc,
Carlstedt Swen,
Grimlowski Randy,
Andreas Nico,
Koliesnik Ievgen,
Meier Elke,
Austerfield Phillip,
Haenold Ronny
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
developmental dynamics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.634
H-Index - 141
eISSN - 1097-0177
pISSN - 1058-8388
DOI - 10.1002/dvdy.170
Subject(s) - relb , biology , transgene , transcription factor , genetically modified mouse , microbiology and biotechnology , cre recombinase , reporter gene , gene expression , genetics , nfkb1 , gene
Background Noncanonical NF‐κB signaling through activation of the transcription factor RelB acts as key regulator of cell lineage determination and differentiation in various tissues including the immune system. To elucidate temporospatial aspects of Relb expression, we generated a BAC transgenic knock‐in mouse expressing the fluorescent protein Katushka and the enzyme Cre recombinase under control of the murine Relb promoter ( Relb Cre‐Kat mice). Results Co‐expression of Katushka and Relb in fibroblast cultures and tissues of transgenic mice revealed highly specific reporter functions of the transgene. Crossing Relb Cre‐Kat mice with ROSA26R reporter mice that allow for Cre‐mediated consecutive β‐galactosidase or YFP synthesis identified various Relb expression domains in perinatal and mature mice. Besides thymus and spleen, highly specific expression patterns were found in different neuronal domains, as well as in other nonimmune organs including skin, skeletal structures and kidney. De novo Relb expression in the mature brain was confirmed in conditional knockout mice with neuro‐ectodermal Relb deletion. Conclusion Our results demonstrate the usability of Relb Cre‐Kat reporter mice for the detection of de novo and temporarily restricted Relb expression including cell and lineage tracing of Relb expressing cells. Relb expression during mouse embryogenesis and at adulthood suggests, beyond immunity, important functions of this transcription factor in neurodevelopment and CNS function.