Cytoplasmic Transfer Methods for Studying the Segregation of Mitochondrial DNA in Mice

Methods Mol Biol. 2021:2277:91-99. doi: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1270-5_6.

Abstract

Heteroplasmic mice represent a valuable tool to study the segregation of different mtDNA haplotypes (mtDNAs with differing alleles) in vivo against a defined nuclear background. We describe two methods for the creation of such models, differing in the resulting initial heteroplasmy levels: (a) transfer of ooplasm and (b) fusion of two blastomeres. These methods result in typical heteroplasmy of 5% and 50% donor mtDNA , respectively. The choice of method depends on the aim of the study. By means of breeding even 100% donor mtDNA can be reached within a few generations.

Keywords: Blastomere fusion; Cytoplasm transfer; Mitochondrial heteroplasmy; Mouse model; Ooplasm transfer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blastomeres
  • Cell Fusion / methods
  • Cytoplasm / genetics
  • Cytoplasm / transplantation*
  • DNA, Mitochondrial / genetics*
  • Embryo Culture Techniques
  • Female
  • Heteroplasmy
  • Mice
  • Pregnancy
  • Reproductive Techniques, Assisted*

Substances

  • DNA, Mitochondrial