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IL7‐hCD25 and IL7‐Cre BAC transgenic mouse lines: New tools for analysis of IL‐7 expressing cells
Author(s) -
Repass John F.,
Laurent Micheline N.,
Carter Carla,
Reizis Boris,
Bedford Mark T.,
Cardenas Kim,
Narang Priyanka,
Coles Mark,
Richie Ellen R.
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.20497
Subject(s) - cre recombinase , biology , transgene , genetically modified mouse , bacterial artificial chromosome , microbiology and biotechnology , endogeny , cre lox recombination , gene , genetics , genome , endocrinology
IL‐7 is a cytokine that is required for T‐cell development and homeostasis as well as for lymph node organogenesis. Despite the importance of IL‐7 in the immune system and its potential therapeutic relevance, questions remain regarding the sites of IL‐7 synthesis, specific cell types involved and molecular mechanisms regulating IL‐7 expression. To address these issues, we generated two bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) transgenic mouse lines in which IL‐7 regulatory elements drive expression of either Cre recombinase or a human CD25 (hCD25) cell surface reporter molecule. Expression of the IL‐7.hCD25 BAC transgene, detected by reactivity with anti‐hCD25 antibody, mimicked endogenous IL‐7 expression. Fetal and adult tissues from crosses between IL‐7.Cre transgenic mice and Rosa26R or R26‐EYFP reporters demonstrated X‐gal or YFP staining in tissues known to express endogenous IL‐7 at some stage during development. These transgenic lines provide novel genetic tools to identify IL‐7 producing cells in various tissues and to manipulate gene expression selectively in IL‐7 expressing cells. genesis 47:281–287, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.