Generation and characterization of Aldh3-Cre transgenic mice as a tool for conditional gene deletion in postnatal cornea

Sci Rep. 2020 Jun 3;10(1):9083. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-65878-1.

Abstract

Conditional gene targeting in mice by means of Cre-loxP strategy represents a powerful approach to study mammalian gene function. This approach is however dependent on the availability of suitable strains of mice with a tissue or time restricted activity of the Cre recombinase. Here we describe Aldh3-Cre transgenic mice as a useful tool to conditionally delete genes in cornea, a specialized transparent tissue found on the anterior-most part of the eye, which acts as a protective barrier and contributes to the refractive power. Using a set of floxed alleles we demonstrate high Aldh3-Cre activity in corneal epithelial cells, corneal stroma and conjunctival epithelial cells at postnatal stages. Aldh3-Cre will thus be particularly beneficial for functional analysis of genes which are vital for postnatal development of cornea and conjunctiva.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aldehyde Dehydrogenase / genetics*
  • Alleles
  • Animals
  • Conjunctiva / physiology
  • Cornea / physiology*
  • Epithelial Cells / physiology
  • Gene Deletion
  • Gene Targeting / methods
  • Integrases / genetics*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic / genetics*
  • Mice, Transgenic / physiology*

Substances

  • Aldehyde Dehydrogenase
  • Aldh3a1protein, mouse
  • Cre recombinase
  • Integrases