Generation of sex-reversed female clonal mice via CRISPR/Cas9-mediated Y chromosome deletion in male embryonic stem cells

Abstract

Mice derived entirely from embryonic stem (ES) cells can be generated through tetraploid complementation. Although XY male ES cell lines are commonly used in this system, occasionally, monosomic XO female mice are produced through spontaneous Y chromosome loss. Here, we describe an efficient method to obtain monosomic XO ES cells by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated deletion of the Y chromosome allowing generation of female clonal mice by tetraploid complementation. The monosomic XO female mice are viable and able to produce normal male and female offspring. Direct generation of clonal mice in both sexes can significantly accelerate the production of complex genetically modified mouse models.

Keywords: CRISPR/Cas9; Monosomic XO female mice; Mouse embryonic stem cells; Tetraploid complementation; Y chromosome deletion.