A mitotic recombination system for mouse chromosome 17

Mitotic recombination between homologous chromosomes is a genetic technique for mosaic analysis in model organisms. The general application of this technique in the mouse depends on establishment of effective recombination systems for individual chromosomes and reliable and sensitive methods for detection of recombination events. Here, we established a Cre/LoxP-mediated recombination system in mice for mosaic analysis of full-length chromosome 17. Cre-mediated germ-line recombination between the homologous chromosomes was observed with approximate to 9% frequency in a progeny test. Mitotic recombination in somatic tissues was evaluated and scored in B and T lymphocytes with the aid of surface markers and fluorescent-activated cell sorting. We show that a lineage-specific Cre can induce mitotic recombination with a highly reproducible frequency of 0.5-1.0% in lymphoid progenitors. The recombination system established here allows for a simple and accurate detection and isolation of recombination events in live cells, making this system particularly attractive for mosaic analysis or mutagenesis studies in the immune system.