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Inducible site‐specific recombination in neural stem/progenitor cells
Author(s) -
Chen Jian,
Kwon ChangHyuk,
Lin Lu,
Li Yanjiao,
Parada Luis F.
Publication year - 2009
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.20465
Subject(s) - cre recombinase , biology , progenitor cell , cre lox recombination , neural stem cell , embryonic stem cell , microbiology and biotechnology , recombinase , genetically modified mouse , nestin , fate mapping , enhancer , chimera (genetics) , transgene , stem cell , genetics , transcription factor , gene , recombination
To establish a genetic tool for manipulating the neural stem/progenitor cell (NSC) lineage in a temporally controlled manner, we generated a transgenic mouse line carrying an NSC‐specific nestin promoter/enhancer expressing a fusion protein encoding Cre recombinase coupled to modified estrogen receptor ligand‐binding domain (ER T2 ). In the background of the Cre reporter mouse strain Rosa26 lacZ , we show that the fusion CreER T2 recombinase is normally silent but can be activated by the estrogen analog tamoxifen both in utero, in infancy, and in adulthood. As assayed by β‐galactosidase activity in embryonic stages, tamoxifen activates Cre recombinase exclusively in neurogenic cells and their progeny. This property persists in adult mice, but Cre activity can also be detected in granule neurons and Bergmann glia at the anterior of the cerebellum, in piriform cortex, optic nerve, and some peripheral ganglia. No obvious Cre activity was observed outside of the nervous system. Thus, the nestin regulated inducible Cre mouse line provides a powerful tool for studying the physiology and lineage of NSCs. genesis 47:122–131, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.