Efficient, inducible Cre‐recombinase activation in vascular endothelium

摘要: In recent years, gene-targeting studies in mice have elucidated many molecular mechanisms vascular biology. However, it has been difficult to apply this approach the study of postnatal animals because mutations affecting vasculature are often embryonically lethal. We therefore generated transgenic that express a tamoxifen-inducible form Cre recombinase (iCreER(T2)) endothelial cells using phage artificial chromosome (PAC) containing Pdgfb gene (Pdgfb-iCreER mice). This allows genetic targeting endothelium animals. tested efficiency tamoxifen-induced iCre activity with ROSA26-lacZ reporter and found newborn recombination could be achieved most capillary small vessel organs including central nervous system. adult animals, was also widespread beds skeletal muscle, heart, skin, gut but not system where only subpopulation labeled. subcutaneous tumor model all detectable blood vessels. Thus, Pdgfb-iCreER valuable research tool manipulate angiogenesis.