Abstract
Beta-cell-specific transgenic mice provide an invaluable model for dissecting the direct signaling mechanisms involved in regulating beta-cell structure and function. Furthermore, generating novel transgenic models is now easier and more cost-effective than ever, thanks to exciting novel approaches such as CRISPR.
Here, we describe the commonly used approaches for generating and maintaining beta-cell-specific transgenic models and some of the considerations involved in their use. This includes the use of different beta-cell-specific promoters (e.g., pancreatic and duodenal homeobox factor 1 (Pdx1), rat insulin 2 promoter (RIP), and mouse insulin 1 promoter (MIP)) to drive site-specific recombinase technology. Important considerations during selection include level and uniformity of expression in the beta-cell population, ectopic transgene expression, and the use of inducible models.
This chapter provides a guide to the procurement, generation, and maintenance of a beta-cell-specific transgene colony from preexisting Cre and loxP mouse strains, providing methods for crossbreeding and genotyping, as well as subsequent maintenance and, in the case of inducible models, transgenic induction.
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Smith, L.I.F., Hill, T.G., Bowe, J.E. (2020). Generating Beta-Cell-Specific Transgenic Mice Using the Cre-Lox System. In: King, A. (eds) Animal Models of Diabetes. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 2128. Humana, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-0716-0385-7_13
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