Article
Cell Biology
Yi-Chao Hsu, Yu-Fen Chung, Mei-Shu Chen, Chi-Kuang Wang, Si-Tse Jiang, Ing-Ming Chiu
Summary: The F1A-CreER(T2) mouse line, driven by the Fgf1A promoter, can be used for time-dependent and lineage tracing of Fgf1A-expressing cells in vivo.
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Robert L. Lalonde, Cassie L. Kemmler, Frederike W. Riemslagh, Andrew J. Aman, Jelena Kresoja-Rakic, Hannah R. Moran, Susan Nieuwenhuize, David M. Parichy, Alexa Burger, Christian Mosimann
Summary: This study compares the recombination efficiency and reporter expression pattern of commonly used Switch reporter lines, and finds that ubi:Switch and hsp70l:Switch show better recombination efficiency in specific tissues during early zebrafish development.
DEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Isabel Stufchen, Ruth Beckervordersandforth, Stefan Fischer, Melanie Kappelmann-Fenzl, Anja Katrin Bosserhoff, Felix Beyer
Summary: The skin of adult mammals protects against various damages, with dysfunction of melanocytes and melanocyte-producing stem cells potentially leading to melanoma. The inducible Cre-loxP-system is a promising tool for studying melanocytic cells in vivo. Genes associated with neural cells are also expressed in melanocytic cells, suggesting potential for modulating melanocytic cells using specific promoters. New mouse models were presented to study and potentially modify adult melanocytic cells in vivo.
PIGMENT CELL & MELANOMA RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Ming-Yang Chen, Fu-Lin Zhao, Wen-Lin Chu, Ming-Ru Bai, De-Mao Zhang
Summary: This review aims to optimize tamoxifen administration regimens, including dosage and duration, to find the best induction strategy that minimizes side effects and maintains recombination efficacy. It will be helpful for researchers using tamoxifen in gene knockout experiments in mouse bone.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Martina Rossi, Aude Salomon, Nicolas Chaumontel, Jenny Molet, Sabine Bailly, Emmanuelle Tillet, Claire Bouvard
Summary: The Cre-lox system is a powerful tool for manipulating genes in mice, allowing for precise control of gene deletion. However, our study shows that tamoxifen activation of CreERT2 in young mice can result in severe hematological defects and mortality, even in the absence of a specific gene target. We emphasize the importance of including appropriate controls and improving communication about the limitations of Cre-lox mouse models among researchers.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Ming Chen, Lily Kim, Carolyn W. Lu, Hong Zeng, Douglas Vollrath
Summary: The study successfully generated a transgenic mouse line with consistently efficient RPE-selective Cre activity that could be temporally regulated using phi C31 integrase. This line provides a useful tool for temporally regulated modulation of gene function in the murine RPE.
EXPERIMENTAL EYE RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Rahul Kumar, Yun Mao, Sonika Patial, Yogesh Saini
Summary: This study investigated the effect of different Tamoxifen (TAM) regimens on whole-body gene deletion in mice using Tamoxifen-inducible Cre recombinase. The results demonstrated that a combination of TAM-diet with either TAM-injections or TAM-oral gavage showed the most efficient deletion of genes in the whole body.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lech Kaczmarczyk, Nicole Reichenbach, Nelli Blank, Maria Jonson, Lars Dittrich, Gabor C. Petzold, Walker S. Jackson
Summary: Genetic variation is a key factor in determining phenotypic diversity, which can be minimized through inbreeding. While most disease models and transgenic tools are in C57Bl/6, caution must be exercised when generalizing results obtained with inbred strains, especially in studies involving complex phenotypes and disease models.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Shiting Liang, Youliang Wang, Meixia Kang, Juan Deng, Liting Chen, Xizhen Hong, Fan Fan Hou, Fujian Zhang
Summary: Protein reabsorption in renal proximal tubules is crucial for maintaining nutrient balance. We developed a new mouse model, AMN (CreERT2) knock-in mice, which express a fusion protein of Cre recombinase and estrogen receptor under the control of the AMN gene promoter specifically in renal proximal tubules. This model allows for the conditional knockout of genes in renal proximal tubules, providing valuable insights into their physiological function.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Developmental Biology
Henrik Ortsater, Magda N. Hernandez-Vasquez, Maria H. Ulvmar, Alexander Gow, Taija Makinen
Summary: The generation of a transgenic mouse expressing tamoxifen inducible CreER(T2) under the control of Cldn11 promoter allows for selective and temporally controlled targeting of lymphatic valve endothelial cells. The study shows that CLDN11 is specifically expressed in lymphatic valves and not required for their development, with efficient labeling of valve endothelial cells observed. This mouse model provides a valuable tool for functional studies of valves.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Szczepan W. Baran, Maria A. Lim, Johnny P. Do, Polina Stolyar, Mark D. Rabe, Laura R. Schaevitz, Samuel M. Cadena
Summary: The study found significant differences in motion and breathing rate between old and young mice, with old mice also showing changes in circadian rhythms. Mice without running wheels had lower breathing rates compared to those with running wheels. Digital biomarkers showed age-dependent changes and responded to routine procedures and unexpected events, providing valuable information for large-scale aging studies.
JOURNALS OF GERONTOLOGY SERIES A-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES AND MEDICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Li-Li Wu, Shuangquan Yan, Tong-Tong Pei, Ming-Xuan Tang, Hao Li, Xiaoye Liang, Shuyang Sun, Tao Dong
Summary: We have developed a highly selective protein delivery platform, DUEC, which responds to direct contact of attacking cells by engineering the tit-for-tat/dueling response of H1-T6SS in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. By screening H1-T6SS-secreted substrates, we have created Tse6N as an effective secretion tag for delivering Cre. DUEC cells can selectively deliver the Tse6N-Cre cargo into T6SS+ but not T6SS- Vibrio cholerae cells, and can also deliver a nuclease cargo to selectively kill provoking cells in a mixed community.
ACS SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Kumiko Yoshinobu, Masatake Araki, Ayaka Morita, Miyuki Araki, Shun Kokuba, Naomi Nakagata, Kimi Araki
Summary: Feeding method for administering tamoxifen to mice can achieve efficient recombination without causing injury, suitable for whole body and fetal period recombination.
EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS
(2021)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Sukhada Bhave, Wing Lam N. Ho, Katarina Cheng, Meredith Omer, Nicole Bousquet, Richard A. Guyer, Ryo Hotta, Allan M. Goldstein
Summary: This study found that tamoxifen can induce changes in gastrointestinal motility when used for Cre recombination. These findings are important for designing experimental protocols that use tamoxifen as a Cre-driver for studying gastrointestinal function.
NEUROGASTROENTEROLOGY AND MOTILITY
(2022)
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
L. B. Steffensen, J. Stubbe, M. Overgaard, J. H. Larsen
Summary: Recent research has shown that vascular smooth muscle cells play a central role in the development of atherosclerosis. Complex genetic mouse models have revealed that a significant proportion of cells in atherosclerotic lesions derive from medial smooth muscle cells and can adopt various plaque cell phenotypes. However, an unexpected observation of tamoxifen-independent Cre activity in a specific mouse line has raised concerns and highlights the importance of including appropriate controls in future studies.
ATHEROSCLEROSIS PLUS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gabriel L. Galea, Eirini Maniou, Timothy J. Edwards, Abigail R. Marshall, Ioakeim Ampartzidis, Nicholas D. E. Greene, Andrew J. Copp
Summary: The mosaic deletion of Vangl2 in the murine neuroepithelium causes spina bifida by preventing apical constriction via reduced myosin II and tubulin organization. This non-autonomous effect explains how post-zygotic mutations affecting a minority of cells can lead to catastrophic failure of morphogenesis.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Developmental Biology
Jordana N. Peake, Rachel L. Knowles, Jill Shawe, Judith Rankin, Andrew J. Copp
Summary: This study found variations in NTD prevalence among different ethnic communities in the UK, with Indian and Bangladeshi mothers being more likely to have NTD-affected pregnancies compared to White mothers. The excess prevalence in Indian mothers was specifically for anencephaly, while in Bangladeshi mothers the trend was for increased spina bifida.
BIRTH DEFECTS RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Developmental Biology
Alexandra J. Palmer, Dawn Savery, Valentina Massa, Andrew J. Copp, Nicholas D. E. Greene
Summary: Mouse models are utilized to study genetic interactions leading to neural tube defects. This study investigated the potential interactions between Pax3 mutation and canonical Wnt signaling using conditional genetic models. The findings suggest that β-catenin function modulates the frequency of PAX3-related NTDs in mice, affecting both cranial and spinal neural tube closure differently.
Article
Cell Biology
Oleksandr Nychyk, Gabriel L. Galea, Matteo Mole, Dawn Savery, Nicholas D. E. Greene, Philip Stanier, Andrew J. Copp
Summary: The study suggests that reduced sulfation of glycosaminoglycans interacting with heterozygosity for the Vangl2 gene may lead to craniorachischisis in mouse embryos, rather than defective neuroepithelial cell movements. Exogenous sulphate can rescue this defect.
DISEASE MODELS & MECHANISMS
(2022)
Letter
Developmental Biology
Andrew J. Copp, Nicholas D. E. Greene, Jennifer Jao, Rebecca Zash, Haneesha Mohan, Valeriya Dontsova, Lena Serghides
BIRTH DEFECTS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Siti Waheeda Mohd-Zin, Amelia Cheng Wei Tan, Wahib M. Atroosh, Meow-Keong Thong, Abu Bakar Azizi, Nicholas D. E. Greene, Noraishah Mydin Abdul-Aziz
Summary: This study analyzed Ephs-ephrins gene variants in Malaysian individuals with spina bifida and their family members, and found that some of them carried mutations in these genes. The variants were rare based on comparison with public databases.
Article
Developmental Biology
Yosuf Gheasuddin, Gabriel L. Galea
Summary: This study found that CBD acts as a neuroteratogen, increasing the risk of spina bifida and exencephaly in mouse embryo culture, without causing overt toxicity. Further large-scale testing is needed to understand the effects of CBD on neural tube closure, especially in at-risk groups.
BIRTH DEFECTS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Sophie Jamet, Seungshin Ha, Tzu-Hua Ho, Scott Houghtaling, Andrew Timms, Kai Yu, Alison Paquette, Ali Murat Maga, Nicholas D. E. Greene, David R. Beier
Summary: By performing ENU mutagenesis in mice and screening for mutations affecting embryonic development, we discovered a mutation in the Carm1 gene that is implicated in heart development defects. Our study found that Carm1 mutant mice exhibit various cardiac defects, including cardiac rupture, hemorrhaging, and different types of heart defects. Transcriptome analysis revealed the dysregulation of several genes involved in cardiac morphogenesis and muscle development and function.
G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Eleanor Weston, Faith Pangilinan, Simon Eaton, Michael Orford, Kit-Yi Leung, Andrew J. Copp, James L. Mills, Anne M. Molloy, Lawrence C. Brody, Nicholas D. E. Greene
Summary: This study investigated the potential genetic regulation of plasma myo-inositol (MI) levels and found that the SLC5A11 gene may have a regulatory role in the plasma MI levels of young adults.
JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Biology
Xiaoyu Che, Jufen Liu, Gabriel L. Galea, Yali Zhang, Nicholas D. E. Greene, Le Zhang, Lei Jin, Linlin Wang, Aiguo Ren, Zhiwen Li
Summary: Neural tube defects are severe congenital malformations, and folic acid supplementation can reduce their prevalence in northern China. The presence of comorbid malformations suggests a shared etiology.
Article
Cell Biology
Sarah Escuin, Saba Rose Raza-Knight, Dawn Savery, Carles Gaston-Massuet, Gabriel L. Galea, Nicholas D. E. Greene, Andrew J. Copp
Summary: Understanding the molecular mechanisms behind birth defects is crucial for preventing them. In mouse embryos with the Zic2Ku/Ku mutation, severe spina bifida occurs due to the absence of dorsolateral hinge points in the neuroepithelium. Overactivation of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and RhoA signaling is observed, leading to abnormal neural tube closure. The use of specific inhibitors reveals the involvement of both BMP-dependent DLHP formation and RhoA-dependent actomyosin accumulation in the pathogenesis of spina bifida. This study provides insights into the multifactorial origin of spina bifida in humans.
DISEASE MODELS & MECHANISMS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zoe Crane-Smith, Sandra C. P. De Castro, Evanthia Nikolopoulou, Paul Wolujewicz, Damian Smedley, Yunping Lei, Emma Mather, Chloe Santos, Mark Hopkinson, Andrew A. Pitsillides, M. Elisabeth Genomics England Res Consortium, Richard H. Finnell, M. Elisabeth Ross, Andrew J. Copp, Nicholas D. E. Greene
Summary: Orofacial clefts and neural tube defects are common congenital anomalies, and the genetic basis for these conditions is still not fully understood. Excess expression of the Grhl2 gene causes various defects in mice, including orofacial clefts and abnormalities in the craniofacial region. Further analysis revealed a retrotransposon insertion in the regulatory region of Grhl2, which may contribute to craniofacial anomalies and neural tube defects in humans.
HUMAN MOLECULAR GENETICS
(2023)