In vivo genetic ablation by Cre-mediated expression of diphtheria toxin fragment A

Genesis. 2005 Nov;43(3):129-35. doi: 10.1002/gene.20162.

Abstract

We generated a ROSA26-eGFP-DTA mouse line by introducing an eGFP-DTA (enhanced green fluorescent protein -- diphtheria toxin fragment A) cassette into the ROSA26 locus by homologous recombination in ES cells. This mouse expresses eGFP ubiquitously, but DTA expression is prevented by the presence of eGFP, a Neo cassette, and a strong transcriptional stop sequence. Mice carrying this construct are normal and fertile, indicating the absence of DTA expression. However, upon Cre-mediated excision of the floxed region DTA expression is activated, resulting in the specific ablation of Cre-expressing cells. As an example of this approach, we ablated Nkx2.5 and Wnt1-expressing cells by using the Nkx2.5-Cre and Wnt1-Cre mouse lines, respectively. We observed loss of the precise tissues in which Nkx2.5 and Wnt1 are expressed. Apart from being a general GFP reporter, the ROSA26-GFP-DTA mouse line should provide a useful resource for genetic ablation of specific groups of cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / embryology
  • Cell Death
  • Diphtheria Toxin / genetics*
  • Diphtheria Toxin / metabolism
  • Embryo, Mammalian
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental*
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / metabolism
  • Heart / embryology
  • Homeobox Protein Nkx-2.5
  • Homeodomain Proteins / genetics
  • Homeodomain Proteins / metabolism
  • Hybridization, Genetic
  • In Situ Hybridization
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Peptide Fragments / genetics*
  • Peptide Fragments / metabolism
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Wnt1 Protein / genetics
  • Wnt1 Protein / metabolism

Substances

  • Diphtheria Toxin
  • Homeobox Protein Nkx-2.5
  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • Nkx2-5 protein, mouse
  • Peptide Fragments
  • Transcription Factors
  • Wnt1 Protein
  • Wnt1 protein, mouse
  • diphtheria toxin fragment A
  • enhanced green fluorescent protein
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins