Mice homozygous for this IRlox allele are viable and fertile. These mutant mice have loxP sites flanking exon 4 of the targeted gene. When bred to Cre-recombinase expressing mice, offspring will have a deletion of exon 4 in the cre expressing tissue(s). These "floxed" mice may be useful in studying insulin receptor function in several different tissues (including pancreas, liver, and skeletal muscle), as well as diabetes and glucose regulation.
For example, when crossed to a strain expressing Cre recombinase in the central and peripheral nervous system (see Stock No. 003771), this mutant mouse strain may be useful in studies of glucose homeostasis.
When crossed to a strain expressing Cre recombinase in skeletal and cardiac muscle (see Stock No. 006475), this mutant mouse strain may be useful in studies of diabetes.
When crossed to a strain expressing Cre recombinase in the liver (see Stock No. 003574), this mutant mouse strain may be useful in studies of insulin resistance.
When crossed to a strain expressing Cre recombinase in pancreatic beta cells (see Stock No. 003573), this mutant mouse strain may be useful in studies of diabetes.
