Introduction and considerations
Recombinase mice represent extremely important tools when elucidating gene function at cellular, organ or individual levels. The two main systems are based on the Cre-loxP and the Flp-FRT recombinase enzymes and recognition sequences. Both of these enzyme systems are dependent on 34 bp long palindromic sequences (LoxP or FRT), that are absent in mammalian genomes. The enzymes can only recombine between almost perfectly homologous sequences making the fidelity very high. The Cre recombinase recognizes and loops two LoxP sites. The region between these two LoxP sites will be excised if the two LoxP sites have the same orientation in the genome. If they have opposite orientation, the region will be reversed. The Flp(e) recombinase recognizes FRT sites and can be used to manipulate DNA similar to the Cre-LoxP system.
Many artificial alleles have been created based on these recognition sequences in combination with mice expressing the enzymes. The same recombinase can be used to manipulate different loci at the same time if desired. Both enzymes can be driven by a range of promoters and can also be made inducible with various strategies.
NTS is in the early phase of organizing an inventory of recombinase mice kept in the Oslo area that are available to collaborators. If you want to contribute to the inventory contact NTS.
Description of the service
NTS has a limited number of living mice available for purchase (backcrossed to C57BL/6N from Janvier labs):
- Flpe recombinase (ubiquitously expressed).
- Cre recombinase (ubiquitously expressed, X-lined / CreDeleter).
- C57BL/6N (from Janvier).
Send an e-mail (transgenic@basalmed.uio.no) and we will get back to you with details regarding age, sex and the numbers of mice currently available. Mice will be delivered opportunistic pathogen-free (SOPF).
Costs cover the following
- Administration for transport of the mice form NTS to the customer.
- Costs for transport to external laboratories will be charged the customer.
Conditions
- None
Service Fees
Estimated costs for the above service can be found on our Service Fees page.