Generation of a germ cell‐specific mouse transgenic Cre line, <i>Vasa‐Cre</i>

TLDR

Cell type‑specific genetic modification using the Cre/loxP system is a powerful tool for genetic analysis of distinct cell lineages. The authors aimed to generate a Vasa promoter‑driven Cre transgenic mouse to enable germ cell lineage‑specific gene inactivation. They engineered a Vasa‑Cre transgenic line in which Cre recombinase is expressed efficiently and specifically in germ cells. Northern blotting confirmed gonad‑restricted expression, and Cre recombination was detected from embryonic day 15 onward, reaching >95 % efficiency in male and female germ cells by birth with minimal ectopic activity in adults. Published in 2007 by Wiley‑Liss, Inc., the article appears in Genesis 45:413–417.

Abstract

Abstract Cell type‐specific genetic modification using the Cre/ loxP system is a powerful tool for genetic analysis of distinct cell lineages. Because of the exquisite specificity of Vasa expression (confined to the germ cell lineage in invertebrate and vertebrate species), we hypothesized that a Vasa promoter‐driven transgenic Cre line would prove useful for the germ cell lineage‐specific inactivation of genes. Here we describe a transgenic mouse line, Vasa‐Cre , where Cre is efficiently and specifically expressed in germ cells. Northern analysis showed that transgene expression was confined to the gonads. Cre‐mediated recombination with the Rosa26‐lacZ reporter was observed beginning at ∼e15, and was &gt;95% efficient in male and female germ cells by birth. Although there was a potent maternal effect with some animals showing more widespread recombination, there was no ectopic activity in most adults. This Vasa‐Cre transgenic line should thus prove useful for genetic analysis of diverse aspects of gametogenesis and as a general deletor line. genesis 45:413–417, 2007. Published 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.