ISSN:
1573-9368
Keywords:
α-actin
;
transgenic mice
;
gene expression
;
muscle
;
embryos
;
lacZ
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract Transgenic mice carrying a chimaeric transgene containing 730 bp of the 5′-flanking sequences and the entire first intron of the rat α-skeletal actin gene fused to thelacZ reporter gene have been produced by microinjection. ThelacZ reporter gene was used to verify the suitability of using the rat α-actin promoter elements to target expression of genes of agricultural and therapeutic value exclusively to skeletal and heart muscle cells and fibres of transgenic mice. Expression of the transgene indicates a tightly regulated developmental and muscle specific control of the rat α-skeletal actin gene, making it a useful promoter for gene targeting to muscle tissues. The cells destined to form muscle tissues in these transgenic mice are readily visualized in intact embryos by staining for β-galactosidase activity, making them a suitable animal model for studying the origin and development of skeletal and cardiac muscle tissues.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01976028
