fos-lacZ transgenic mice: mapping sites of gene induction in the central nervous system

Neuron. 1992 Jan;8(1):13-23. doi: 10.1016/0896-6273(92)90105-m.

Abstract

A transgenic mouse line containing a fos-lacZ fusion gene was derived in which beta-galactosidase activity identified cell populations expressing fos either constitutively or after stimulation. Seizures and light pulses induced nuclear lacZ activity in defined populations of neurons in vivo, and an array of neurotransmitters, including glutamate, induced the transgene in primary brain cultures. In unstimulated mice, the major sites of fos-lacZ expression were skin, hair follicle, and bone. fos-lacZ mice provide a new avenue for activity mapping studies based on gene expression.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Glands / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Bone and Bones / metabolism
  • Brain / metabolism*
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Gene Expression* / radiation effects
  • Hair / metabolism
  • Light
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos / genetics*
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / genetics*
  • Seizures / chemically induced
  • Seizures / metabolism
  • Skin / metabolism
  • Tissue Distribution
  • beta-Galactosidase / genetics*
  • beta-Galactosidase / metabolism

Substances

  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • beta-Galactosidase