Germ cell-specific expression of Cre recombinase using the VASA promoter in the pig.

ABSTRACT: The Cre-loxP system is a powerful tool for genetic analysis of distinct cell lineages and tissue-specific gene knockout in animal models. VASA is specifically expressed in reproductive tissues, and is known to play important roles in spermatogenesis and germ-cell growth. In this study, Cre recombinase transgenic pigs under the control of the VASA promoter were generated by somatic cell nuclear transfer. Germ cell-specific expression of Cre recombinase in VASA-Cre transgenic pigs was shown by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. VASA-Cre transgenic pigs will be a useful tool for germ cell-specific gene knockout and a disease model for disorders of the reproductive system.

SUBMITTER: Song Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4794798 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature