Comparative analysis of two newly established Cre rat lines, NeuN-Cre and Thy1-Cre, for neurological research.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The Cre/loxP system is most popular in mice, but its application in rats has largely lagged far behind. The rat is vital laboratory animal, especially in toxicological and neurological studies. Generating genetic tools to manipulate neurons in rats could benefit neurological research.

Methods

Using the CRISPR/Cas9 system, we inserted a Cre cassette into endogenous Thy1 and NeuN loci. Thy1-Cre rats featured a downstream P2A-linked insertion, while NeuN-Cre was inserted at the transcriptional start site. The Cre activity was assessed by crossing with a Cre reporter (Rosa26^imCherry) rat and through analyzing mCherry expression patterns. The specificity of cell type was further confirmed by immunofluorescence with NeuN antibody. Phenotypic consequences were

SUBMITTER: Li K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12464859 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature