Work

The need for Cre-loci controls in conditional mouse experiments: Mrp8-cre transgene predisposes mice to antibody-induced arthritis

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: The Cre/loxP system is extensively utilized to pinpoint gene functions in specific cell types or developmental stages, typically without major disturbance to the host's genome. However, we found that the random insertion of the Mrp8-cre transgene significantly promotes the host's innate immune response. This effect is characterized by elevated susceptibility to cartilage antibody-induced arthritis, likely due to interference with genes near the insertion site. These findings underscore the potential biological disturbances caused by random transgene integration, and the necessity for stringent control strategies to avoid biased interpretations when using Cre-conditional strains.

Source: Genes and Immunity

DOI: 10.1038/s41435-024-00313-3

Authors: Zhongwei Xu, Laura Romero‐Castillo, Àlex Moreno-Giró, Rajan Kumar Pandey, Rikard Holmdahl

Institution: Karolinska Institutet

Language: English

Topic: Animal Genetics and Reproduction

Subfield: Genetics

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,990