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A Cre knock‐in mouse line on the Sickle tail locus induces recombination in the notochord and intervertebral disks
Author(s) -
Abe Koichiro,
Araki Kimi,
Tanigawa Maya,
Semba Kei,
Ando Takashi,
Sato Masahiro,
Sakai Daisuke,
Hiyama Akihiko,
Mochida Joji,
Yamamura KenIchi
Publication year - 2012
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.22035
Subject(s) - notochord , cre recombinase , biology , gene targeting , gene knockin , intervertebral disc , mesonephros , locus (genetics) , gene , genetically modified mouse , microbiology and biotechnology , embryonic stem cell , transgene , genetics , embryogenesis , anatomy
Sickle tail ( Skt ) was originally identified by gene trap mutagenesis in mice, and the trapped gene is highly expressed in the notochord, intervertebral discs (IVD), and mesonephros. Here, we report the generation of Skt cre mice expressing Cre recombinase in the IVD due to target insertion of the cre gene into the Sk t locus by recombinase‐mediated cassette exchange. Crossing a conditional lacZ Reporter (R26R), Cre expression from the Skt cre allele specifically activates β‐galactosidase expression in the whole notochord from E9.5 onwards. In E15.5 Skt cre ;R26R embryos, reporter activity was detected in the nucleus pulposus and in a portion of the annulus fibrosus, resulting in expansion of Cre‐expressing cells in the adult IVD. Reporter activity was also seen in the Skt cre ;R26R mesonephros at E15.5. These results suggest that Skt cre mice are useful for exploring the fate specification of notochordal cells and creating models for IVD‐related skeletal diseases. genesis 50:758–765, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.