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Meox1 Cre : A mouse line expressing Cre recombinase in somitic mesoderm
Author(s) -
Jukkola Tomi,
Trokovic Ras,
Maj Petra,
Lamberg Arja,
Mankoo Baljinder,
Pachnis Vassilis,
Savilahti Harri,
Partanen Juha
Publication year - 2005
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/gene.20163
Subject(s) - mesoderm , intermediate mesoderm , biology , nodal , lateral plate mesoderm , paraxial mesoderm , genetics , line (geometry) , cre recombinase , transgene , genetically modified mouse , embryonic stem cell , gene , mathematics , geometry
We developed a novel strategy based on in vitro DNA transposition of phage Mu to construct vectors for “knock‐in” of the gene encoding Cre recombinase into endogenous loci in embryonic stem cells. This strategy was used to introduce Cre into the mouse Meox1 locus, which was expected to drive Cre expression in the presomitic and somitic mesoderm. In embryos heterozygous for both Meox1 Cre and R26R or Z/AP reporter alleles, specific and efficient recombination of the reporter alleles was detected in the maturing somites and their derivatives, including developing vertebrae, skeletal muscle, back dermis, as well as endothelium of the blood vessels invading the spinal cord and developing limbs. In contrast to the somitic mesoderm, Cre activity was not observed in the cranial paraxial mesoderm. Thus, the Meox1 Cre allele allows detailed fate‐mapping of Meox1 ‐expressing tissues, including derivatives of the somitic mesoderm. We used it to demonstrate dynamic changes in the composition of the mesenchyme surrounding the developing inner ear. Meox1 Cre may also be used for tissue‐specific mutagenesis in the somitic mesoderm and its derivatives. genesis 43:148–153, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.