Germ cell‐specific expression of Cre recombinase using the VASA promoter in the pig

摘要

The Cre–loxP system is a powerful tool for genetic analysis of distinct cell lineages and tissue‐specific gene knockout in animal models. VASA is specifically expressed in reproductive tissues, and is known to play important roles in spermatogenesis and germ‐cell growth. In this study, Cre recombinase transgenic pigs under the control of the VASA promoter were generated by somatic cell nuclear transfer. Germ cell‐specific expression of Cre recombinase in VASA‐Cre transgenic pigs was shown by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. VASA‐Cre transgenic pigs will be a useful tool for germ cell‐specific gene knockout and a disease model for disorders of the reproductive system.