Variable Expression of Cre Recombinase Transgenes and Gene Disruption Prediction
Author Information
Author(s): Schulz Tim J., Glaubitz Markus, Kuhlow Doreen, Thierbach René, Birringer Marc, Steinberg Pablo, Pfeiffer Andreas F. H., Ristow Michael
Primary Institution: University of Jena, Institute of Nutrition, Jena, Germany
Hypothesis
Can the expression of Cre recombinase in transgenic mouse strains reliably predict tissue-specific gene disruption?
Conclusion
The study found that the expression of Cre recombinase can be lost in some transgenic mice, leading to unreliable predictions of gene disruption.
Supporting Evidence
- The study demonstrated that Cre expression can be lost in transgenic mice over generations.
- Genotyping based on Cre expression may not accurately reflect gene disruption.
- RNA analysis showed that some mice with detectable Cre DNA did not express Cre mRNA.
Takeaway
Sometimes, the way scientists change genes in mice doesn't work as expected, so they need to check carefully to see if the changes really happened.
Methodology
The study involved generating transgenic mice and analyzing the expression of Cre recombinase and the corresponding gene disruptions through PCR and RT-PCR.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to random integration of the Cre transgene affecting expression levels.
Limitations
The study does not specify the exact number of animals used or the variability in results across different genetic backgrounds.
Participant Demographics
Transgenic mouse strains were used, but specific demographics are not provided.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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