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Inducible Cx40‐Cre expression in the cardiac conduction system and arterial endothelial cells
Author(s) -
Beyer Sabrina,
Kelly Robert G.,
Miquerol Lucile
Publication year - 2011
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.20687
Subject(s) - connexin , embryonic stem cell , gap junction , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , green fluorescent protein , gene , reporter gene , endothelial stem cell , gene expression , genetics , in vitro , intracellular
The Connexin‐40 ( Cx40 ) gene encodes a gap junction protein that plays an important role in cell‐cell communication in cardiomyocytes of the atria and cardiac conduction system and endothelial cells of large arteries. During embryonic development, Cx40 expression is tightly regulated and correlates with progressive ventricular conduction system (VCS) differentiation and vessel function. We have generated Cx40 Cre mice carrying a CreERT2‐IRESmRFP cassette by targeted recombination. In Cx40 Cre mice, the pattern of expression of RFP is identical to that of the endogenous Cx40 gene and a Cx40 GFP allele. Using a LacZ ‐based Cre reporter mouse line, tamoxifen dependent Cre recombination was observed throughout the spatio‐temporal profile of Cx40 expression in the VCS and arterial endothelial cells. Cx40 Cre mice can therefore be used to direct inducible genetic modification in Cx40 expressing cells. genesis 49:83–91, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.