Harnessing the versatility of PLGA nanoparticles for targeted Cre-mediated recombination.

ABSTRACT: Ligand-dependent Cre recombinases are pivotal tools for the generation of inducible somatic mutants. This method enables spatial and temporal control of gene activity through tamoxifen administration, providing new avenues for studying gene function and establishing animal models of human diseases. While this paved the way for developmental studies previously deemed impractical, the generation of tissue-specific transgenic mouse lines can be time-consuming and costly. Herein, we design a 'smart', biocompatible, and biodegradable nanoparticle system encapsulated with tamoxifen that is actively targeted to specific cell types in vivo through surface conjugation of antibodies. We demonstrate that these nanoparticles bind to cells of interest and activate Cre recombinase, resulting in tissue-s

SUBMITTER: Nguyen NB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6599573 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature