Rapid bacterial artificial chromosome modification for large-scale mouse transgenesis

Nat Protoc. 2010 Sep;5(10):1678-96. doi: 10.1038/nprot.2010.131. Epub 2010 Sep 30.

Abstract

We report here a high-throughput method for the modification of bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) that uses a novel two-plasmid approach. In this protocol, a vector modified in our laboratory to hold an R6Kγ origin of replication and a marker recombination cassette is inserted into a BAC in a single recombination step. Temporal control of recombination is achieved through the use of a second plasmid, pSV1.RecA, which possesses a recombinase gene and a temperature-sensitive origin of replication. This highly efficient protocol has allowed us to successfully modify more than 2,000 BACs, from which over 1,000 BAC transgenic mice have been generated. A complete cycle from BAC choice to embryo implantation takes about 5 weeks. Marker genes introduced into the mice include EGFP and EGFP-L10a. All vectors used in this project can be obtained from us by request, and the EGFP reporter mice are available through the Mutant Mouse Regional Resource Center (NINDS/GENSAT collection). CNS anatomical expression maps of the mice are available to the public at http://www.gensat.org/.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chromosomes, Artificial, Bacterial / genetics*
  • DNA, Bacterial / genetics
  • Databases, Genetic
  • Escherichia coli / genetics
  • Fluorescent Dyes / chemistry
  • Gene Library
  • Gene Transfer Techniques*
  • Genetic Vectors / genetics*
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / chemistry
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Rec A Recombinases / genetics
  • Recombination, Genetic
  • Replication Origin / genetics*
  • Transgenes

Substances

  • DNA, Bacterial
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • enhanced green fluorescent protein
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • Rec A Recombinases