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Wei X, Zhang J, Cui J, Xu W, Zhou X, Ma J. A Split-Cre system designed to detect simultaneous expression of two genes based on SpyTag/SpyCatcher conjugation and Split-GFP dimerization. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:101119. [PMID: 34450162 PMCID: PMC8455372 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The Split-Cre system is a powerful tool for genetic manipulation and can be used to spatiotemporally control gene expression in vivo. However, the low activity of the reconstituted NCre/CCre recombinase in the Split-Cre system limits its application as an indicator of the simultaneous expression of a pair of genes of interest. Here, we describe two approaches for improving the activity of the Split-Cre system after Cre reconstitution based on self-associating split GFP (Split-GFP) and SpyTag/SpyCatcher conjugation. First, we created the Split-GFP-Cre system by constructing fusion proteins of NCre and CCre with the N-terminal and C-terminal subunits of GFP, respectively. Reconstitution of Cre by GFP-mediated dimerization of the two fusion proteins resulted in recombinase activity approaching that of full-length Cre in living cells. Second, to further increase recombinase activity at low levels of Split-Cre expression, the Split-Spy-GCre system was established by incorporating the sequences for SpyTag and SpyCatcher into the components of the Split-GFP-Cre system. As anticipated, covalent conjugation of the SpyTag and SpyCatcher segments improved Split-GFP dimerization to further increase Cre recombinase activity in living cells. The increased efficiency and robustness of this dual-split system (Split-Cre and Split-GFP) minimize the problems of incomplete double gene-specific KO or low labeling efficiency due to poor NCre/CCre recombinase activity. Thus, this Split-Spy-GCre system allows more precise gene manipulation of cell subpopulations, which will provide advanced analysis of genes and cell functions in complex tissue such as the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xundong Wei
- Center of Biotherapy, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianhua Zhang
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
| | - Jian Cui
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
| | - Xuyu Zhou
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China.
| | - Jie Ma
- Center of Biotherapy, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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2
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Abstract
The Cre-LoxP technology permits gene ablation in specific cell lineages, at chosen differentiation stages of this lineage and in an inducible manner. It has allowed tremendous advances in our understanding of skeleton biology and related pathophysiological mechanisms, through the generation of loss/gain of function or cell tracing experiments based on the creation of an expanding toolbox of transgenic mice expressing the Cre recombinase in skeletal stem cells, chondrocytes, osteoblasts, or osteoclasts. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the different Cre-LoxP systems and Cre mouse lines used in the bone field, we discuss their advantages, limitations, and we outline best practices to interpret results obtained from the use of Cre mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florent Elefteriou
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Greig Couasnay
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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3
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McKinley KL, Castillo-Azofeifa D, Klein OD. Tools and Concepts for Interrogating and Defining Cellular Identity. Cell Stem Cell 2020; 26:632-656. [PMID: 32386555 PMCID: PMC7250495 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2020.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Defining the mechanisms that generate specialized cell types and coordinate their functions is critical for understanding organ development and renewal. New tools and discoveries are challenging and refining our definitions of a cell type. A rapidly growing toolkit for single-cell analyses has expanded the number of markers that can be assigned to a cell simultaneously, revealing heterogeneity within cell types that were previously regarded as homogeneous populations. Additionally, cell types defined by specific molecular markers can exhibit distinct, context-dependent functions; for example, between tissues in homeostasis and those responding to damage. Here we review the current technologies used to identify and characterize cells, and we discuss how experimental and pathological perturbations are adding increasing complexity to our definitions of cell identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara L McKinley
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - David Castillo-Azofeifa
- Department of Orofacial Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Program in Craniofacial Biology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ophir D Klein
- Department of Orofacial Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Program in Craniofacial Biology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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4
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Fan H, Liu X, Shen Y, Chen S, Huan Y, Shan J, Zhou C, Wu S, Zhang Z, Wang Y. In Vivo Genetic Strategies for the Specific Lineage Tracing of Stem Cells. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2019; 14:230-238. [PMID: 30047336 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x13666180726110138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2018] [Revised: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Characterization of the fate changes of stem cells is essential to understand the roles of certain stem cells both during development and in diseases, such as cancer. In the past two decades, more and more importance has been paid to the studies of in vivo lineage tracing, because they could authentically reveal the differentiation, migration and even proliferation of stem cells. However, specific genetic tools have only been developed until recently. OBJECTIVE To summarize the progresses of genetic tools for specific lineage tracing with emphasis on their applications in investigating the stem cell niche signals. RESULTS Three major genetic strategies have been reviewed according to the development of technique, particularly the advantages and disadvantages of individual methods. CONCLUSION In vivo specific lineage tracing of stem cells could be achieved by comprehensive application of multiple genetic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Fan
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute of Neurosciences, Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Chang Le Xi Road, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Xinyu Liu
- Cadet team of undergraduate, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Chang Le Xi Road, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yahui Shen
- Cadet team of undergraduate, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Chang Le Xi Road, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Siwei Chen
- Cadet team of undergraduate, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Chang Le Xi Road, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yu Huan
- Cadet team of undergraduate, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Chang Le Xi Road, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Junjia Shan
- Cadet team of undergraduate, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Chang Le Xi Road, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Chengji Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, University of California-Davis, 2425 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95817, United States
| | - Shengxi Wu
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute of Neurosciences, Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Chang Le Xi Road, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Zifeng Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Chinese PLA, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Yazhou Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute of Neurosciences, Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Chang Le Xi Road, Xi'an 710032, China
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5
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Ma J, Shen Z, Yu YC, Shi SH. Neural lineage tracing in the mammalian brain. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2018; 50:7-16. [PMID: 29125960 PMCID: PMC5938148 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2017.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2017] [Revised: 10/08/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Delineating the lineage of neural cells that captures the progressive steps in their specification is fundamental to understanding brain development, organization, and function. Since the earliest days of embryology, lineage questions have been addressed with methods of increasing specificity, capacity, and resolution. Yet, a full realization of individual cell lineages remains challenging for complex systems. A recent explosion of technical advances in genome-editing and single-cell sequencing has enabled lineage analysis in an unprecedented scale, speed, and depth across different species. In this review, we discuss the application of available as well as future genetic labeling techniques for tracking neural lineages in vivo in the mammalian nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Ma
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Zhongfu Shen
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yong-Chun Yu
- Institute of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Song-Hai Shi
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, U.S.A
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6
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Rajaee M, Ow DW. A new location to split Cre recombinase for protein fragment complementation. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2017; 15:1420-1428. [PMID: 28317293 PMCID: PMC5633763 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.12726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Revised: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
We have previously described a recombinase-mediated gene stacking system in which the Cre recombinase is used to remove lox-site flanked DNA no longer needed after each round of Bxb1 integrase-mediated site-specific integration. The Cre recombinase can be conveniently introduced by hybridization with a cre-expressing plant. However, maintaining an efficient cre-expressing line over many generations can be a problem, as high production of this DNA-binding protein might interfere with normal chromosome activities. To counter this selection against high Cre activity, we considered a split-cre approach, in which Cre activity is reconstituted after separate parts of Cre are brought into the same genome by hybridization. To insure that the recombinase-mediated gene stacking system retains its freedom to operate, we tested for new locations to split Cre into complementing fragments. In this study, we describe testing four new locations for splitting the Cre recombinase for protein fragment complementation and show that the two fragments of Cre split between Lys244 and Asn245 can reconstitute activity that is comparable to that of wild-type Cre.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Rajaee
- Plant Gene Engineering CenterSouth China Botanical GardenChinese Academy of SciencesGuangzhouChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - David W. Ow
- Plant Gene Engineering CenterSouth China Botanical GardenChinese Academy of SciencesGuangzhouChina
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7
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Bowden SD, Palani NP, Libourel IG. Stringent control of FLP recombinase in Escherichia coli. J Microbiol Methods 2017; 133:52-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2016.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Revised: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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8
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A photoactivatable Cre-loxP recombination system for optogenetic genome engineering. Nat Chem Biol 2016; 12:1059-1064. [PMID: 27723747 DOI: 10.1038/nchembio.2205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Genome engineering techniques represented by the Cre-loxP recombination system have been used extensively for biomedical research. However, powerful and useful techniques for genome engineering that have high spatiotemporal precision remain elusive. Here we develop a highly efficient photoactivatable Cre recombinase (PA-Cre) to optogenetically control genome engineering in vivo. PA-Cre is based on the reassembly of split Cre fragments by light-inducible dimerization of the Magnet system. PA-Cre enables sharp induction (up to 320-fold) of DNA recombination and is efficiently activated even by low-intensity illumination (∼0.04 W m-2) or short periods of pulsed illumination (∼30 s). We demonstrate that PA-Cre allows for efficient DNA recombination in an internal organ of living mice through noninvasive external illumination using a LED light source. The present PA-Cre provides a powerful tool to greatly facilitate optogenetic genome engineering in vivo.
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9
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Meinke G, Bohm A, Hauber J, Pisabarro MT, Buchholz F. Cre Recombinase and Other Tyrosine Recombinases. Chem Rev 2016; 116:12785-12820. [PMID: 27163859 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.6b00077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Tyrosine-type site-specific recombinases (T-SSRs) have opened new avenues for the predictable modification of genomes as they enable precise genome editing in heterologous hosts. These enzymes are ubiquitous in eubacteria, prevalent in archaea and temperate phages, present in certain yeast strains, but barely found in higher eukaryotes. As tools they find increasing use for the generation and systematic modification of genomes in a plethora of organisms. If applied in host organisms, they enable precise DNA cleavage and ligation without the gain or loss of nucleotides. Criteria directing the choice of the most appropriate T-SSR system for genetic engineering include that, whenever possible, the recombinase should act independent of cofactors and that the target sequences should be long enough to be unique in a given genome. This review is focused on recent advancements in our mechanistic understanding of simple T-SSRs and their application in developmental and synthetic biology, as well as in biomedical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gretchen Meinke
- Department of Developmental, Molecular & Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine , Boston, Massachusetts 02111, United States
| | - Andrew Bohm
- Department of Developmental, Molecular & Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine , Boston, Massachusetts 02111, United States
| | - Joachim Hauber
- Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology , 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Frank Buchholz
- Medical Systems Biology, UCC, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus TU Dresden , 01307 Dresden, Germany
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10
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Abstract
The use of Cre recombinase to carry out conditional mutagenesis of transgenes and insert DNA cassettes into eukaryotic chromosomes is widespread. In addition to the numerous in vivo and in vitro applications that have been reported since Cre was first shown to function in yeast and mammalian cells nearly 30 years ago, the Cre-loxP system has also played an important role in understanding the mechanism of recombination by the tyrosine recombinase family of site-specific recombinases. The simplicity of this system, requiring only a single recombinase enzyme and short recombination sequences for robust activity in a variety of contexts, has been an important factor in both cases. This review discusses advances in the Cre recombinase field that have occurred over the past 12 years since the publication of Mobile DNA II. The focus is on those recent contributions that have provided new mechanistic insights into the reaction. Also discussed are modifications of Cre and/or the loxP sequence that have led to improvements in genome engineering applications.
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11
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Hartmann DA, Underly RG, Watson AN, Shih AY. A murine toolbox for imaging the neurovascular unit. Microcirculation 2015; 22:168-82. [PMID: 25352367 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2014] [Accepted: 10/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The neurovascular unit (NVU) coordinates many essential functions in the brain including blood flow control, nutrient delivery, and maintenance of BBB integrity. These functions are the result of a cellular and molecular interplay that we are just beginning to understand. Cells of the NVU can now be investigated in the intact brain through the combined use of high-resolution in vivo imaging and non-invasive molecular tools to observe and manipulate cell function. Mouse lines that target transgene expression to cells of the NVU will be of great value in future work. However, a detailed evaluation of target cell specificity and expression pattern within the brain is required for many existing lines. The purpose of this review was to catalog mouse lines available to cerebrovascular biologists and to discuss their utility and limitations in future imaging studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Hartmann
- Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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12
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Hsu YC. Theory and Practice of Lineage Tracing. Stem Cells 2015; 33:3197-204. [PMID: 26284340 DOI: 10.1002/stem.2123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2015] [Accepted: 06/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Lineage tracing is a method that delineates all progeny produced by a single cell or a group of cells. The possibility of performing lineage tracing initiated the field of Developmental Biology and continues to revolutionize Stem Cell Biology. Here, I introduce the principles behind a successful lineage-tracing experiment. In addition, I summarize and compare different methods for conducting lineage tracing and provide examples of how these strategies can be implemented to answer fundamental questions in development and regeneration. The advantages and limitations of each method are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Chieh Hsu
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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13
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Madisen L, Garner AR, Shimaoka D, Chuong AS, Klapoetke NC, Li L, van der Bourg A, Niino Y, Egolf L, Monetti C, Gu H, Mills M, Cheng A, Tasic B, Nguyen TN, Sunkin SM, Benucci A, Nagy A, Miyawaki A, Helmchen F, Empson RM, Knöpfel T, Boyden ES, Reid RC, Carandini M, Zeng H. Transgenic mice for intersectional targeting of neural sensors and effectors with high specificity and performance. Neuron 2015; 85:942-58. [PMID: 25741722 PMCID: PMC4365051 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2015.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 724] [Impact Index Per Article: 80.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2014] [Revised: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
An increasingly powerful approach for studying brain circuits relies on targeting genetically encoded sensors and effectors to specific cell types. However, current approaches for this are still limited in functionality and specificity. Here we utilize several intersectional strategies to generate multiple transgenic mouse lines expressing high levels of novel genetic tools with high specificity. We developed driver and double reporter mouse lines and viral vectors using the Cre/Flp and Cre/Dre double recombinase systems and established a new, retargetable genomic locus, TIGRE, which allowed the generation of a large set of Cre/tTA-dependent reporter lines expressing fluorescent proteins, genetically encoded calcium, voltage, or glutamate indicators, and optogenetic effectors, all at substantially higher levels than before. High functionality was shown in example mouse lines for GCaMP6, YCX2.60, VSFP Butterfly 1.2, and Jaws. These novel transgenic lines greatly expand the ability to monitor and manipulate neuronal activities with increased specificity. VIDEO ABSTRACT
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Madisen
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, 551 N 34(th) Street, Seattle, WA 98103, USA
| | - Aleena R Garner
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, 551 N 34(th) Street, Seattle, WA 98103, USA
| | - Daisuke Shimaoka
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Amy S Chuong
- MIT Media Lab and McGovern Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 20 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Nathan C Klapoetke
- MIT Media Lab and McGovern Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 20 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Lu Li
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, 551 N 34(th) Street, Seattle, WA 98103, USA
| | - Alexander van der Bourg
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Yusuke Niino
- Brain Science Institute, RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako-city, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Ladan Egolf
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Claudio Monetti
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, 600 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Hong Gu
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, 551 N 34(th) Street, Seattle, WA 98103, USA
| | - Maya Mills
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, 551 N 34(th) Street, Seattle, WA 98103, USA
| | - Adrian Cheng
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, 551 N 34(th) Street, Seattle, WA 98103, USA
| | - Bosiljka Tasic
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, 551 N 34(th) Street, Seattle, WA 98103, USA
| | - Thuc Nghi Nguyen
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, 551 N 34(th) Street, Seattle, WA 98103, USA
| | - Susan M Sunkin
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, 551 N 34(th) Street, Seattle, WA 98103, USA
| | - Andrea Benucci
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK; Brain Science Institute, RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako-city, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Andras Nagy
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, 600 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Atsushi Miyawaki
- Brain Science Institute, RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako-city, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Fritjof Helmchen
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ruth M Empson
- Department of Physiology, Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, PO Box 913, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Thomas Knöpfel
- The Division of Brain Sciences, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, 160 DuCane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Edward S Boyden
- MIT Media Lab and McGovern Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 20 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - R Clay Reid
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, 551 N 34(th) Street, Seattle, WA 98103, USA
| | - Matteo Carandini
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Hongkui Zeng
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, 551 N 34(th) Street, Seattle, WA 98103, USA.
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14
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Wen M, Gao Y, Wang L, Ran L, Li J, Luo K. Split-Cre complementation restores combination activity on transgene excision in hair roots of transgenic tobacco. PLoS One 2014; 9:e110290. [PMID: 25329460 PMCID: PMC4201524 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0110290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2014] [Accepted: 09/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The Cre/loxP system is increasingly exploited for genetic manipulation of DNA in vitro and in vivo. It was previously reported that inactive ''split-Cre'' fragments could restore Cre activity in transgenic mice when overlapping co-expression was controlled by two different promoters. In this study, we analyzed recombination activities of split-Cre proteins, and found that no recombinase activity was detected in the in vitro recombination reaction in which only the N-terminal domain (NCre) of split-Cre protein was expressed, whereas recombination activity was obtained when the C-terminal (CCre) or both NCre and CCre fragments were supplied. We have also determined the recombination efficiency of split-Cre proteins which were co-expressed in hair roots of transgenic tobacco. No Cre recombination event was observed in hair roots of transgenic tobacco when the NCre or CCre genes were expressed alone. In contrast, an efficient recombination event was found in transgenic hairy roots co-expressing both inactive split-Cre genes. Moreover, the restored recombination efficiency of split-Cre proteins fused with the nuclear localization sequence (NLS) was higher than that of intact Cre in transgenic lines. Thus, DNA recombination mediated by split-Cre proteins provides an alternative method for spatial and temporal regulation of gene expression in transgenic plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengling Wen
- Key Laboratory of Eco-environments of Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, Institute of Resources Botany, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Transgenic Plant and Safety Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- Key Laboratory of Eco-environments of Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, Institute of Resources Botany, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Transgenic Plant and Safety Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lijun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Eco-environments of Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, Institute of Resources Botany, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Transgenic Plant and Safety Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lingyu Ran
- Key Laboratory of Eco-environments of Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, Institute of Resources Botany, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Transgenic Plant and Safety Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiahui Li
- Key Laboratory of Eco-environments of Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, Institute of Resources Botany, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Transgenic Plant and Safety Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Keming Luo
- Key Laboratory of Eco-environments of Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, Institute of Resources Botany, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Transgenic Plant and Safety Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, China
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15
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Wieghofer P, Knobeloch KP, Prinz M. Genetic targeting of microglia. Glia 2014; 63:1-22. [PMID: 25132502 DOI: 10.1002/glia.22727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 07/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Genetic targeting of microglia and other myeloid cells in the central nervous system (CNS) is highly desirable as they are critical effectors and regulators of changes in CNS homeostasis during development as well as in health and disease. Therefore, genetic reprogramming of microglia could constitute a central approach for potentially reducing disease burden. Previous attempts to target only microglia in vivo failed because of the similarities to their hematopoietic relatives in the circulation. However, this concept has been challenged by recent results of developmental and gene expression profiling studies which used novel molecular biological tools to unravel the origin of microglia and to define their role as specialized tissue macrophages clearly distinct from monocytes or monocyte-derived macrophages. The aim of this review is to recapitulate the history of microglia targeting approaches and finally highlight recent achievements in the field. We will discuss the pros and cons of the newly available genetic tools, their potential for future microglia research and genetic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Wieghofer
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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O'Brien SP, DeLisa MP. Split-Cre recombinase effectively monitors protein-protein interactions in living bacteria. Biotechnol J 2014; 9:355-61. [DOI: 10.1002/biot.201300462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2013] [Revised: 12/13/2013] [Accepted: 12/31/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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17
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Hermann M, Stillhard P, Wildner H, Seruggia D, Kapp V, Sánchez-Iranzo H, Mercader N, Montoliu L, Zeilhofer HU, Pelczar P. Binary recombinase systems for high-resolution conditional mutagenesis. Nucleic Acids Res 2014; 42:3894-907. [PMID: 24413561 PMCID: PMC3973285 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkt1361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Conditional mutagenesis using Cre recombinase expressed from tissue specific promoters facilitates analyses of gene function and cell lineage tracing. Here, we describe two novel dual-promoter-driven conditional mutagenesis systems designed for greater accuracy and optimal efficiency of recombination. Co-Driver employs a recombinase cascade of Dre and Dre-respondent Cre, which processes loxP-flanked alleles only when both recombinases are expressed in a predetermined temporal sequence. This unique property makes Co-Driver ideal for sequential lineage tracing studies aimed at unraveling the relationships between cellular precursors and mature cell types. Co-InCre was designed for highly efficient intersectional conditional transgenesis. It relies on highly active trans-splicing inteins and promoters with simultaneous transcriptional activity to reconstitute Cre recombinase from two inactive precursor fragments. By generating native Cre, Co-InCre attains recombination rates that exceed all other binary SSR systems evaluated in this study. Both Co-Driver and Co-InCre significantly extend the utility of existing Cre-responsive alleles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Hermann
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, University of Zurich, Sternwartstrasse 6, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland, Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital of Zurich, Schmelzbergstrasse 12, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland, National Centre for Biotechnology (CNB-CSIC), Darwin 3, 28049 Madrid, Spain, CIBERER-ISCIII, Darwin 3, 28049 Madrid, Spain, Program of Cardiovascular Development, Department of Cardiovascular Development and Repair, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III, calle Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, 28029 Madrid, Spain and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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18
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Deussing JM. Targeted mutagenesis tools for modelling psychiatric disorders. Cell Tissue Res 2013; 354:9-25. [PMID: 24078022 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-013-1708-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2013] [Accepted: 07/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In the 1980s, the basic principles of gene targeting were discovered and forged into sharp tools for efficient and precise engineering of the mouse genome. Since then, genetic mouse models have substantially contributed to our understanding of major neurobiological concepts and are of utmost importance for our comprehension of neuropsychiatric disorders. The "domestication" of site-specific recombinases and the continuous creative technological developments involving the implementation of previously identified biological principles such as transcriptional and posttranslational control now enable conditional mutagenesis with high spatial and temporal resolution. The initiation and successful accomplishment of large-scale efforts to annotate functionally the entire mouse genome and to build strategic resources for the research community have significantly accelerated the rapid proliferation and broad propagation of mouse genetic tools. Addressing neurobiological processes with the assistance of genetic mouse models is a routine procedure in psychiatric research and will be further extended in order to improve our understanding of disease mechanisms. In light of the highly complex nature of psychiatric disorders and the current lack of strong causal genetic variants, a major future challenge is to model of psychiatric disorders more appropriately. Humanized mice, and the recently developed toolbox of site-specific nucleases for more efficient and simplified tailoring of the genome, offer the perspective of significantly improved models. Ultimately, these tools will push the limits of gene targeting beyond the mouse to allow genome engineering in any model organism of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan M Deussing
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Molecular Neurogenetics, Kraepelinstrasse 2-10, 80804, Munich, Germany,
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Affiliation(s)
- Z. Josh Huang
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York 11724;
| | - Hongkui Zeng
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, Washington 98103;
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20
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Khattak S, Schuez M, Richter T, Knapp D, Haigo SL, Sandoval-Guzmán T, Hradlikova K, Duemmler A, Kerney R, Tanaka EM. Germline transgenic methods for tracking cells and testing gene function during regeneration in the axolotl. Stem Cell Reports 2013; 1:90-103. [PMID: 24052945 PMCID: PMC3757742 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2013.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2013] [Revised: 02/16/2013] [Accepted: 02/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The salamander is the only tetrapod that regenerates complex body structures throughout life. Deciphering the underlying molecular processes of regeneration is fundamental for regenerative medicine and developmental biology, but the model organism had limited tools for molecular analysis. We describe a comprehensive set of germline transgenic strains in the laboratory-bred salamander Ambystoma mexicanum (axolotl) that open up the cellular and molecular genetic dissection of regeneration. We demonstrate tissue-dependent control of gene expression in nerve, Schwann cells, oligodendrocytes, muscle, epidermis, and cartilage. Furthermore, we demonstrate the use of tamoxifen-induced Cre/loxP-mediated recombination to indelibly mark different cell types. Finally, we inducibly overexpress the cell-cycle inhibitor p16 (INK4a) , which negatively regulates spinal cord regeneration. These tissue-specific germline axolotl lines and tightly inducible Cre drivers and LoxP reporter lines render this classical regeneration model molecularly accessible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahryar Khattak
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany ; Technische Universität Dresden, DFG Center for Regenerative Therapies, 01307 Dresden, Germany
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21
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Wang P, Chen T, Sakurai K, Han BX, He Z, Feng G, Wang F. Intersectional Cre driver lines generated using split-intein mediated split-Cre reconstitution. Sci Rep 2012; 2:497. [PMID: 22773946 PMCID: PMC3390602 DOI: 10.1038/srep00497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2012] [Accepted: 06/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue and cell type highly specific Cre drivers are very rare due to the fact that most genes or promoters used to direct Cre expressions are generally expressed in more than one tissues and/or in multiple cell types. We developed a split-intein based split-Cre system for highly efficient Cre-reconstitution through protein splicing. This split-intein-split-Cre system can be used to intersect the expression patterns of two genes or promoters to restrict full-length Cre reconstitution in their overlapping domains. To test this system in vivo, we selected several conserved human enhancers to drive the expression of either Cre-N-intein-N, or intein-C-Cre-C transgene in different brain regions. In all paired CreN/CreC transgenic mice, Cre-dependent reporter was efficiently induced specifically in the intersectional expression domains of two enhancers. This split-intein based method is simpler to implement compared with other strategies for generating highly-restricted intersectional Cre drivers to study complex tissues such as the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, Box 3709, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
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Rodrigues AMC, Christen B, Martí M, Izpisúa Belmonte JC. Skeletal muscle regeneration in Xenopus tadpoles and zebrafish larvae. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2012; 12:9. [PMID: 22369050 PMCID: PMC3313851 DOI: 10.1186/1471-213x-12-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2011] [Revised: 12/15/2011] [Accepted: 02/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Background Mammals are not able to restore lost appendages, while many amphibians are. One important question about epimorphic regeneration is related to the origin of the new tissues and whether they come from mature cells via dedifferentiation and/or from stem cells. Several studies in urodele amphibians (salamanders) indicate that, after limb or tail amputation, the multinucleated muscle fibres do dedifferentiate by fragmentation and proliferation, thereby contributing to the regenerate. In Xenopus laevis tadpoles, however, it was shown that muscle fibres do not contribute directly to the tail regenerate. We set out to study whether dedifferentiation was present during muscle regeneration of the tadpole limb and zebrafish larval tail, mainly by cell tracing and histological observations. Results Cell tracing and histological observations indicate that zebrafish tail muscle do not dedifferentiate during regeneration. Technical limitations did not allow us to trace tadpole limb cells, nevertheless we observed no signs of dedifferentiation histologically. However, ultrastructural and gene expression analysis of regenerating muscle in tadpole tail revealed an unexpected dedifferentiation phenotype. Further histological studies showed that dedifferentiating tail fibres did not enter the cell cycle and in vivo cell tracing revealed no evidences of muscle fibre fragmentation. In addition, our results indicate that this incomplete dedifferentiation was initiated by the retraction of muscle fibres. Conclusions Our results show that complete skeletal muscle dedifferentiation is less common than expected in lower vertebrates. In addition, the discovery of incomplete dedifferentiation in muscle fibres of the tadpole tail stresses the importance of coupling histological studies with in vivo cell tracing experiments to better understand the regenerative mechanisms.
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Bassoni DL, Raab WJ, Achacoso PL, Loh CY, Wehrman TS. Measurements of β-arrestin recruitment to activated seven transmembrane receptors using enzyme complementation. Methods Mol Biol 2012; 897:181-203. [PMID: 22674166 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-61779-909-9_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The recruitment of arrestins to activated 7TMRs results in the activation of alternative signaling pathways, quenching of G-protein activation, and coupling to clathrin-mediated endocytosis. The nearly ubiquitous involvement of arrestin in 7TMR signaling has spurred the development of several methods for monitoring this interaction in mammalian cells. Nonetheless, few maintain the reproducibility and precision necessary for drug discovery applications. Enzyme fragment complementation technology (EFC) is an emerging protein-protein interaction technology based on the forced complementation of a split enzyme that has proven to be highly effective in monitoring the formation of GPCR-arrestin complexes. In these systems, the target proteins are fused to two fragments of an enzyme that show little or no spontaneous complementation. Interaction of the two proteins forces the complementation of the enzyme, resulting in an enzymatic measure of the protein interaction. This chapter discusses the utility and methods involved in using the PathHunter β-galactosidase complementation system to monitor arrestin recruitment and the advantages of exploiting this pathway in the characterization of 7TMR function.
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24
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Pfrieger FW, Slezak M. Genetic approaches to study glial cells in the rodent brain. Glia 2011; 60:681-701. [PMID: 22162024 DOI: 10.1002/glia.22283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2011] [Accepted: 11/18/2011] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The development, function, and pathology of the brain depend on interactions of neurons and different types of glial cells, namely astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, and ependymal cells. Understanding neuron-glia interactions in vivo requires dedicated experimental approaches to manipulate each cell type independently. In this review, we first summarize techniques that allow for cell-specific gene modification including targeted mutagenesis and viral transduction. In the second part, we describe the genetic models that allow to target the main glial cell types in the central nervous system. The existing arsenal of approaches to study glial cells in vivo and its expansion in the future are key to understand neuron-glia interactions under normal and pathologic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank W Pfrieger
- CNRS UPR 3212, University of Strasbourg, Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences (INCI), 67084 Strasbourg, France.
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McPherson CS, Lawrence AJ. The nuclear transcription factor CREB: involvement in addiction, deletion models and looking forward. Curr Neuropharmacol 2010; 5:202-12. [PMID: 19305803 PMCID: PMC2656817 DOI: 10.2174/157015907781695937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2006] [Revised: 03/16/2007] [Accepted: 03/29/2007] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Addiction involves complex physiological processes, and is characterised not only by broad phenotypic and behavioural traits, but also by ongoing molecular and cellular adaptations. In recent years, increasingly effective and novel techniques have been developed to unravel the molecular implications of addiction. Increasing evidence has supported a contribution of the nuclear transcription factor CREB in the development of addiction, both in contribution to phenotype and expression in brain regions critical to various aspects of drug-seeking behaviour and drug reward. Abstracting from this, models have exploited these data by removing the CREB gene from the developing or developed mouse, to crucially determine its impact upon addiction-related processes. More recent models, however, hold greater promise in unveiling the contribution of CREB to disorders such as addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron S McPherson
- Brain Injury and Repair Group, Howard Florey Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
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26
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Hirrlinger J, Scheller A, Hirrlinger PG, Kellert B, Tang W, Wehr MC, Goebbels S, Reichenbach A, Sprengel R, Rossner MJ, Kirchhoff F. Split-cre complementation indicates coincident activity of different genes in vivo. PLoS One 2009; 4:e4286. [PMID: 19172189 PMCID: PMC2628726 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0004286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2008] [Accepted: 12/12/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cre/LoxP recombination is the gold standard for conditional gene regulation in mice in vivo. However, promoters driving the expression of Cre recombinase are often active in a wide range of cell types and therefore unsuited to target more specific subsets of cells. To overcome this limitation, we designed inactive "split-Cre" fragments that regain Cre activity when overlapping co-expression is controlled by two different promoters. Using transgenic mice and virus-mediated expression of split-Cre, we show that efficient reporter gene activation is achieved in vivo. In the brain of transgenic mice, we genetically defined a subgroup of glial progenitor cells in which the Plp1- and the Gfap-promoter are simultaneously active, giving rise to both astrocytes and NG2-positive glia. Similarly, a subset of interneurons was labelled after viral transfection using Gad67- and Cck1 promoters to express split-Cre. Thus, split-Cre mediated genomic recombination constitutes a powerful spatial and temporal coincidence detector for in vivo targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Hirrlinger
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Clinical Research (IZKF), N05 Neural Plasticity, Faculty of Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
- DFG Research Center for Molecular Physiology of the Brain, Göttingen, Germany
- * E-mail: (JH); (FK)
| | - Anja Scheller
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
- Section of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Free University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Petra G. Hirrlinger
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
- Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Beate Kellert
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Wannan Tang
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael C. Wehr
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sandra Goebbels
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Andreas Reichenbach
- Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Rolf Sprengel
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Moritz J. Rossner
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Frank Kirchhoff
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
- DFG Research Center for Molecular Physiology of the Brain, Göttingen, Germany
- * E-mail: (JH); (FK)
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27
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Recombination System Based on Cre α Complementation and Leucine Zipper Fusions. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2008; 158:334-42. [DOI: 10.1007/s12010-008-8409-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2008] [Accepted: 10/23/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Jullien N, Goddard I, Selmi-Ruby S, Fina JL, Cremer H, Herman JP. Conditional transgenesis using Dimerizable Cre (DiCre). PLoS One 2007; 2:e1355. [PMID: 18159238 PMCID: PMC2131782 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0001355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2007] [Accepted: 11/27/2007] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cre recombinase is extensively used to engineer the genome of experimental animals. However, its usefulness is still limited by the lack of an efficient temporal control over its activity. We have recently developed a conceptually new approach to regulate Cre recombinase, that we have called Dimerizable Cre or DiCre. It is based on splitting Cre into two inactive moieties and fusing them to FKBP12 (FK506-binding protein) and FRB (binding domain of the FKBP12-rapamycin associated protein), respectively. These latter can be efficiently hetero-dimerized by rapamycin, leading to the reinstatement of Cre activity. We have been able to show, using in vitro approaches, that this ligand-induced dimerization is an efficient way to regulate Cre activity, and presents a low background activity together with a high efficiency of recombination following dimerization. To test the in vivo performance of this system, we have, in the present work, knocked-in DiCre into the Rosa26 locus of mice. To evaluate the performance of the DiCre system, mice have been mated with indicator mice (Z/EG or R26R) and Cre-induced recombination was examined following activation of DiCre by rapamycin during embryonic development or after birth of progenies. No recombination could be observed in the absence of treatment of the animals, indicating a lack of background activity of DiCre in the absence of rapamycin. Postnatal rapamycin treatment (one to five daily injection, 10 mg/kg i.p) induced recombination in a number of different tissues of progenies such as liver, heart, kidney, muscle, etc. On the other hand, recombination was at a very low level following in utero treatment of DiCrexR26R mice. In conclusion, DiCre has indeed the potentiality to be used to establish conditional Cre-deleter mice. An added advantage of this system is that, contrary to other modulatable Cre systems, it offers the possibility of obtaining regulated recombination in a combinatorial manner, i.e. induce recombination at any desired time-point specifically in cells characterized by the simultaneous expression of two different promoters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Jullien
- ICNE-UMR 6544 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France
| | - Isabelle Goddard
- Centre de Transgenèse, Faculté de Médecine Nord, Institut Fédératif de Recherche (IFR) Jean-Roche, Marseille, France
| | - Samia Selmi-Ruby
- INSERM UMR 664, Faculté de Médecine RTH Laennec, Université Lyon I, Lyon, France
| | - Jean-Luc Fina
- Centre de Transgenèse, Faculté de Médecine Nord, Institut Fédératif de Recherche (IFR) Jean-Roche, Marseille, France
| | - Harold Cremer
- IBDML-UMR 6216 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Paul Herman
- ICNE-UMR 6544 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France
- * To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
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Luan H, White BH. Combinatorial methods for refined neuronal gene targeting. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2007; 17:572-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2007.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2007] [Revised: 10/01/2007] [Accepted: 10/04/2007] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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Xu Y, Xu G, Liu B, Gu G. Cre reconstitution allows for DNA recombination selectively in dual-marker-expressing cells in transgenic mice. Nucleic Acids Res 2007; 35:e126. [PMID: 17893102 PMCID: PMC2095822 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkm559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cre/LoxP-based DNA recombination has been used to introduce desired DNA rearrangements in various organisms, having for example, greatly assisted genetic analyses in mice. For most applications, single gene promoters are used to drive Cre production for conditional gene activation/inactivation or lineage-tracing experiments. Such a manipulation introduces Cre in all cells in which the utilized promoter is active. To overcome the limited selectivity of single promoters for cell-type-specific recombination, we have explored the ‘dual promoter combinatorial control’ of Cre activity, so that Cre activity could be restricted to cells that express dual protein markers. We efficiently reconstituted Cre activity from two modified, inactive Cre fragments. Cre re-association was greatly enhanced by fusing the Cre fragments separately to peptides that can form a tight antiparallel leucine zipper. The co-expressed Cre fusion fragments showed substantial activity in cultured cells. As proof of principle of the utility of this technique in vivo for manipulating genes specifically in dual-marker-positive cells, we expressed each inactive Cre fragments in transgenic mice via individual promoters. Result showed the effective reconstitution of Cre activates LoxP recombination in the co-expressing cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanwen Xu
- Program in Developmental Biology and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong and Center for AIDS Health Disparities Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
| | - Gang Xu
- Program in Developmental Biology and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong and Center for AIDS Health Disparities Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
| | - Bindong Liu
- Program in Developmental Biology and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong and Center for AIDS Health Disparities Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
| | - Guoqiang Gu
- Program in Developmental Biology and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong and Center for AIDS Health Disparities Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
- *To whom correspondence should be addressed. +1 615 936 3634+1 615 936 5673
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Seidi A, Mie M, Kobatake E. Novel recombination system using Cre recombinase alpha complementation. Biotechnol Lett 2007; 29:1315-22. [PMID: 17530179 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-007-9406-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2007] [Revised: 04/23/2007] [Accepted: 04/24/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
A major limitation for the use of Cre recombinase is its toxicity and a lack of temporal control over its activity. We have developed a new recombination system using Cre recombinase alpha-complementation. Cre recombinase was divided and one fragment (beta) was introduced into cells between two loxP sites with a CMV promoter in the upstream. The gene of interest (EGFP) was positioned just downstream of this construct. Cre recombinase activity was recovered by adding the other part of the molecule (alpha) to cells as a protein fragment, as evidenced by the expression of EGFP under the control of the CMV promoter. The activity of fragmented cre reached 68% of that of the wild type enzyme at 1 microM alpha-protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azadeh Seidi
- Department of Biological Information, Graduate School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama, 226-8501, Japan
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Abstract
In the last decade, site-specific recombinases (SSRs), such as Cre and Flp, have emerged as indispensable tools for the precise in vivo manipulation of the mouse genome. It is now feasible to control, in space and time, the onset of gene knockouts in almost any tissue of the mouse, thus greatly facilitating the creation of sophisticated animal models for human disease and drug development. This review describes the basic principles and current status of the SSR technology, with a focus on strategies for conditional somatic mutagenesis using the Cre/lox system and ligand-activated Cre recombinases. Practical hints for generating and analysing conditional mouse mutants will be given and exciting novel applications of the SSR technology will be discussed, such as cell fate mapping and the combined use of Cre, Flp and other biotechnological tools. It will be shown how genetic manipulation of the mouse by site-specific recombination can provide new solutions to old problems in the analysis of human physiology and pathophysiology and how it can be employed for drug discovery and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Feil
- Interfakultäres Institut für Biochemie, Universität Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 4, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
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33
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Paulmurugan R, Gambhir SS. Firefly luciferase enzyme fragment complementation for imaging in cells and living animals. Anal Chem 2007; 77:1295-302. [PMID: 15732910 PMCID: PMC4154832 DOI: 10.1021/ac0484777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We identified different fragments of the firefly luciferase gene based on the crystal structure of firefly luciferase. These split reporter genes which encode for protein fragments, unlike the fragments currently used for studying protein-protein interactions, can self-complement and provide luciferase enzyme activity in different cell lines in culture and in living mice. The comparison of the fragment complementation associated recovery of firefly luciferase enzyme activity with intact firefly luciferase was estimated for different fragment combinations and ranged from 0.01 to 4% of the full firefly luciferase activity. Using a cooled optical charge-coupled device camera, the analysis of firefly luciferase fragment complementation in transiently transfected subcutaneous 293T cell implants in living mice showed significant detectable enzyme activity upon injecting d-luciferin, especially from the combinations of fragments identified (Nfluc and Cfluc are the N and C fragments of the firefly luciferase gene, respectively): Nfluc (1-475)/Cfluc (245-550), Nfluc (1-475)/Cfluc (265-550), and Nfluc (1-475)/Cfluc (300-550). The Cfluc (265-550) fragment, upon expression with the nuclear localization signal (NLS) peptide of SV40, shows reduced enzyme activity when the cells are cotransfected with the Nfluc (1-475) fragment expressed without NLS. We also proved in this study that the complementing fragments could be efficiently used for screening macromolecule delivery vehicles by delivering TAT-Cfluc (265-550) to cells stably expressing Nfluc (1-475) and recovering signal. These complementing fragments should be useful for many reporter-based assays including intracellular localization of proteins, studying cellular macromolecule delivery vehicles, studying cell-cell fusions, and also developing intracellular phosphorylation sensors based on fragment complementation.
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Miyoshi G, Fishell G. Directing neuron-specific transgene expression in the mouse CNS. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2006; 16:577-84. [PMID: 16971113 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2006.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2006] [Accepted: 08/30/2006] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in molecular genetics have produced many novel strategies for directing the expression of both functional and regulatory elements in transgenic mice. With the application of such approaches, the specific populations that comprise CNS networks can be both visualized and manipulated. Transgenic methods now range from the use of specific enhancer elements and large genomic regions assembled using BACs and PACs, to the use of gene targeting to a specific locus. In addition, the advent of transactivators and site-specific recombinases has provided unprecedented spatial and temporal control for directing expression in the CNS using a combination of appropriate alleles. As a result, the promise of being able to use transgenics to target specific neuronal populations is now being realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goichi Miyoshi
- Smilow Neuroscience Program and the Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, 522 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
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Abstract
Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) is one of the most common diseases of adult males which increases with age. Effective therapeutic agents are an attractive option for patients for whom surgery is not a necessity, improving quality of life when compared with watchful waiting. Epidemiological studies show that 88% of patients over 80 years of age present anatomical BPH. This prevalence is similar in male populations throughout the world. Surgical treatment (transurethral resection of the prostate: TURP) has been the gold standard for over 50 years in patients with an enlarged prostate and obstructive symptoms but 20% of patients remain unsatisfied with surgery. Various medicinal preparations have been used since biblical times, in particular plant extracts which are still prescribed in Europe. Some claim to have an enzymatic inhibitory effect, but currently have not demonstrated objective efficacy. Alpha-blockers act on bladder and prostate smooth muscle, the contraction of which is mediated through alpha 1-receptors. Treatment has shown increased uroflow, decreased residual volume and a decrease in symptoms of BPH. Alpha-blockers; however, have shown no effect on prostate volume nor a reduction in the need for surgery for these patients. Finasteride, currently the only 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor approved for treatment of symptomatic BPH, has been widely investigated. The drug has been shown to decrease prostate volume, improve symptoms, uroflow and invasive urodynamic parameters in the majority of patients. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is decreased but the level of serum testosterone is maintained. Prostatic specific antigen is decreased by 50% as an effect of the drug on epithelial cells. Overall, the drug is well tolerated but some patients have shown decreased libido and/or impotency; however, two-thirds of these patients improved when the treatment was continued. Two effective medical therapies are currently available for treating symptomatic BPH: finasteride and alpha antagonists. Studies are now in progress to determine whether a combination of these therapies would be an effective alternative to surgery or watchful waiting.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Roylance
- Merck Research Laboratories, Whitehouse, NJ 08889, USA
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