We’re the only mouse model company to perform all service steps in the USA.
“iTL has done a tremendous job assisting us with our projects. Not only have they provided successful mouse lines, but their project management has always been on top of things. Communication was excellent, and at all times I felt I could trust the scientists at iTL with my work.”– Thomas G.H. Diekwisch, DMD, PhD (sc), PhD (phil.) Texas A&M University College of Dentistry
The use of Cre recombinase and loxP sites in genetically modified mouse models allows for tissue specific control over genetic modifications, enhancing our understanding of gene functions. Hundreds of different Cre mice are already available, with different patterns of Cre expression allowing conditional knockout in different tissues. If the Cre mice you need aren’t already available a new line can be created by two techniques: random transgene integration and targeted homologous recombination. Both of these approaches, however, have limitations.
Cre recombinase can be toxic in ES cells, causing difficulties when linking expression to genes that are active during embryonic time points. Random integration transgenic mice produced via pronuclear injection have been used as an alternative to avoid embryonic stem cell lethality; however, these models do not faithfully reflect endogenous gene expression patterns. To solve this problem, an approach is needed that enables native gene expression patterns while avoiding ES cell toxicity.
Cre expressing mouse lines that were previously unavailable due to toxicity can now be generated without risk.
By splitting Cre recombinase in half with an FRT-flanked neomycin selection cassette, we developed a gene-targeted ES cell approach for generating your mouse line without the worry of ES cell toxicity.
The neomycin cassette prevents expression of Cre recombinase until the introduction of FLP recombinase, allowing for the generation of properly targeted ES cells without the risk of toxicity. Once chimera mice are produced, mating them to a constitutively active FLP recombinase mouse line results in removal of the neomycin selection cassette and the safe expression of Cre. Our split design can be utilized for gene replacement or co-expression knockin, to generate Cre recombinase expressing mouse lines that follow the native expression patterns of any target gene regardless of expression location or timepoints.
In addition to specific, gene-targeted Cre knockins, we can add a reporter to your targeting design for visualizing expression.
The model you design is the model we deliver.
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Our proprietary technologies save time and money.
Phone: +1 (631) 468-8530
