Mice that are heterozygous for the targeted mutation are viable, fertile, normal in size and do not display any gross physical or behavioral abnormalities. When combined with a Flp recombinase-expressing strain, 
the lacZ and neomycin genes are removed leaving an FRT site and the loxP-flanked miR-654/miR-376b (Mirc6) stem loop. A further cross to a Cre-recombinase-expressing strain generates the null allele. When combined with a Cre-recombinase-expressing strain, the neomycin cassette and miR-654/miR-376b stem loop are removed leaving a lacZ tagged null allele (FRT-lacZ-loxP). Homozygous mice have not been characterized. This mutant mouse strain may be useful in studies of microRNA biology.

These microRNA cluster 6 (miR-654/miR-376b) conditional mutant mice are designed to generate a null allele or a lacZ tagged null allele when combined with Flp or Cre recombinase expressing strains. LacZ expression is observed in embryonic brain and spinal cord. This mutant mouse strain may be useful in studies of microRNA biology.

This strain is hosted by NIH's MMRRC, which partners with JAX for the distribution of this and other strains. For additional information and to purchase, please visit the MMRRC site.