Premium
Production of conditional point mutant knockin mice
Author(s) -
Skvorak Kristen,
Vissel Bryce,
Homanics Gregg E.
Publication year - 2006
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/dvg.20222
Subject(s) - cre recombinase , mutant , point mutation , biology , allele , recombinase , genetics , gene targeting , gene , endogeny , wild type , transgene , conditional gene knockout , mutation , microbiology and biotechnology , genetically modified mouse , phenotype , recombination , endocrinology
Abstract Genetically engineered mice with point mutations in endogenous genes (i.e., knockin mice) are extremely useful tools for dissecting gene function. Currently available methodologies for creating knockin mice are limited in that the introduced mutation is globally present in all cells of the animal from conception through adulthood. In this report, we describe a strategy for creating mice in which a point mutant allele replaces the wild type allele in a conditional manner, e.g., in a tissue‐specific and/or temporally restricted pattern. As proof of concept, we created mice that conditionally harbor a point mutated γ‐aminobutyric acid receptor subunit. In the absence of Cre recombinase, the engineered allele produces only wild type product with no evidence of expression of the mutant. In contrast, following Cre‐mediated recombination, only the point mutant product is produced. By restricting Cre expression to subpopulations of neurons of postnatal animals, we demonstrate tissue‐specific regulation of the point mutant knockin. This strategy will be useful for a wide variety of studies that require precise conditional replacement of an endogenous wild type gene with a point mutant. genesis 44:345–353, 2006. Published 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.