Double lox targeting for neural cell transgenesis

Abstract

ES cells differentiated along the neural lineage in vitro are an attractive model system. Here we have developed ES cell lines that are suitable for inserting transgenes at a single chromosomal site. ES cell line CE1 (for Cassette Exchange) contains one "acceptor" module (CE1) that allows for efficient double lox targeting. The site is also permissive for gene expression in neural progenitor cells, as well as differentiated neurons and glia. Line CE2 was derived by swapping a puromycin resistance cassette into CE1. Neural progenitors derived from this line are puromycin-resistant. A beta-actin/GFP expression cassette was inserted into the CE1 site to create CE3. The CE3 cell line was differentiated into neural cells and displayed strong EGFP expression in neural progenitors, differentiated neurons and glia. Differentiated CE3 ES cells (4-/4+ RA) were transplanted into the injured rat somatosensory cortex where many of the transplanted cells survived and differentiated into neurons expressing GFP. This strategy for creating sets of transgenic lines with multiple cassettes inserted into a single chromosomal site provides a powerful tool for studying development and function of ES cell-derived neural cells. Many of these will be useful in transplantation research.