Ectopic recombination in the central and peripheral nervous system by aP2/FABP4-Cre mice: implications for metabolism research

Abstract

aP2-Cre mice have amply been used to generate conditional adipose selective inactivation of important signaling molecules. We show that the efficiency of Cre mediated recombination in adipocytes and adipose selectivity is not always guaranteed. In particular, Cre activity was found in ganglia of the peripheral nervous system (PNS), in adrenal medulla and in neurons throughout the central nervous system (CNS). Because these tissues have an important impact on adipose tissue, care should be taken when using aP2-Cre mice to define the role of the targeted genes in adipose tissue function.