Work

Caveats and considerations for performing pancreas‐specific gene manipulations in the mouse

Year: 2007

Type: article

Abstract: Conditional gene targeting using the Cre/loxP strategy has proven to be very useful for studies of glucose homeostasis, tissue function and dysfunction in diabetes, and pancreas development. However, use of this strategy over the past decade has revealed a variety of experimental caveats, many of which are a direct consequence of the procedures used to generate Cre-driver lines. We discuss frequently encountered experimental artefacts, the advantages of using bacterial artificial chromosome-derived transgenes or performing a Cre knockin for improving the specificity of expression, and systems for regulating Cre activity. In addition, recent studies indicate that high amounts of Cre in the pancreatic beta-cell may cause glucose intolerance and impaired insulin secretion. However, these findings, while serving as a reminder for simple experimental controls, are unlikely to diminish utilization of this very powerful and useful technology.

Source: Diabetes Obesity and Metabolism

DOI: 10.1111/j.1463-1326.2007.00771.x

Authors: M. A. Magnuson, J. S. Burlison

Institution: Vanderbilt University

Language: English

Topic: Pancreatic function and diabetes

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases