Overview

Also Known As: Vasa-Cre

Ddx4-Cre (Vasa-Cre) transgenic mice have Cre recombinase expression directed to male and female embryonic germ cells. These mice may be useful in generating conditional germ cell knock-outs in both males and females for studies including infertility, gonadogenesis, gametogenesis, and the assembly, activation, and growth of primordial follicles.

In Goodwin et al. 2017 bioRxiv, it was discovered that Ddx4-Cre founder line 1 has more than 20 transgene copies integrated on chromosome 18 that caused a 1098 kbp deletion encompassing two loci - neuropilin (NRP) and tolloid (TLL)-like 1 (Neto1) and cerebellin 2 precursor protein (Cbln2).

Donating Investigator

Dr. Barbara Knowles, Institute of Medical Biology

Genetic overview

Genetic Background	Generation

Tg(Ddx4-cre)1Dcas

Allele Type
Transgenic (Recombinase-expressing, Null/Knockout)

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Research Applications

Research Tools

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Base Price

Starting at:

$2,854.50 Domestic price Cryo Recovery

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Details

Detailed Description

Vasa-Cre (Ddx4-Cre) transgenic mice express Cre recombinase under the direction of the mouse Ddx4 promoter.

In Goodwin et al. 2017 bioRxiv, analysis of the Ddx4-Cre parental strain (Stock No. 006954) identified more than 20 transgene copies integrated on chromosome 18 that caused a 1098 kbp deletion encompassing two loci - neuropilin (NRP) and tolloid (TLL)-like 1 (Neto1) and cerebellin 2 precursor protein (Cbln2). The deletion results in a functional knock-out of both genes in homozygous mice.

Mice hemizygous for this Ddx4-Cre transgene are viable and fertile. Transgenic cre activity is directed to male and female germ cells starting at embryonic day (e)15-e18. When bred with mice containing a loxP-flanked sequence of interest, Cre-mediated recombination will result in deletion of the flanked sequence. In such breedings, occasional hemizygous mice may exhibit variegated cre expression in skin epithelium or global cre expression (<20% incidence). Differential parent-of-origin transgene expression is observed. When the mother harbors Ddx4-Cre, virtually all progeny undergo global Cre-mediated recombination, even those that do not inherit the transgene (which may be useful in converting a "floxed" allele to a null while obviating the need to perform additional crosses to remove the transgene). To achieve germ-line specific Cre-mediated recombination in offspring, paternal Ddx4-Cre mice should be used.

In crosses with some floxed alleles, global recombination may occur even when males are used as the Dxd4-Cre carriers. The basis of this "paternal" effect is not known, but may relate to the presence of Cre protein in sperm. This global recombination can occur more frequently with older males. Thus, when paternal-effect global recombination is observed, it is recommended that the youngest available Ddx4-Cre males be used for breeding (ideally 5-6 weeks, but less than 9 weeks of age). Once a male has proven to repeatedly give rise to globally-recombined progeny, he should no longer be used as a breeder.

These Ddx4-Cre mice may be useful in generating conditional germ cell knock-outs in both males and females for studies including infertility, gonadogenesis, gametogenesis, and the assembly, activation, and growth of primordial follicles.

While another germ line cre-expressing strain, ZP3-Cre (see Stock No. 003651), permits recombination/deletion of loxP-flanked genes in growing follicles, Ddx4-Cre mice have additional cre expression in primordial follicles (early oogenesis) and in the male germline.

If the recombinase activity pattern of this allele is further characterized by the Genetic Resource Science group at The Jackson Laboratory, such findings will be reported on the Mouse Genome Informatics (MGI) Allele Detail entry (Tg(Ddx4-cre)1Dcas). This same information would also be found searching the MGI Recombinase Activity database.

In an attempt to offer alleles on well-characterized or multiple genetic backgrounds, alleles are frequently moved to a genetic background different from that on which an allele was first characterized. This is the case for the strain above. It should be noted that the phenotype could vary from that originally described. We will modify the strain description if necessary as published results become available.

Development

The Vasa-Cre (Ddx4-Cre) transgenee contains a 5.6 kb fragment of the mouse Vasa (Ddx4) promoter, beta-globin intron, Cre recombinase open reading frame with nuclear localization signal, and SV40 polyadenylation signal. The transgene was microinjected into FVB oocytes (see transgene integration and genomic deletion note below). Transgenic mice (founder line not provided) on the FVB genetic background were bred together for many generations prior to arrival at The Jackson Laboratory in 2007 as Stock No. 006954). Some of these mice were then backcrossed to C57BL/6J for 10 generations to generate this C57BL/6J-congenic Ddx4-Cre mouse line (Stock No. 018960).

In Goodwin et al. 2017 bioRxiv, analysis of the Ddx4-Cre parental strain (Stock No. 006954) identified more than 20 transgene copies integrated on chromosome 18 that caused a 1098 kbp deletion encompassing two loci - neuropilin (NRP) and tolloid (TLL)-like 1 (Neto1) and cerebellin 2 precursor protein (Cbln2).

Expression Data

Expressed Gene	cre, cre recombinase, bacteriophage P1
Site of Expression	male and female germ cells starting at embryonic day (e)15-e18

Control Suggestions

000664 C57BL/6J

Additional Information

Considerations for Choosing Controls

Selected References

Gallardo T; Shirley L; John GB; Castrillon DH. 2007. Generation of a germ cell-specific mouse transgenic Cre line, Vasa-Cre. Genesis 45(6):413-7PubMed: 17551945 MGI: J:125051

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Genetics

Tg(Ddx4-cre)1Dcas

Allele Symbol: Tg(Ddx4-cre)1Dcas

Allele Name	transgene insertion 1, Diego H Castrillon
Allele Type	Transgenic (Recombinase-expressing, Null/Knockout)
Allele Synonym(s)	Tg(Ddx4-cre)1Dcas; transgene insertion 1, Diego H Castrillon
Gene Symbol and Name	Tg(Ddx4-cre)1Dcas, transgene insertion 1, Diego H Castrillon
Gene Synonym(s)	Vasa-cre
Promoter	Ddx4, DEAD (Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp) box polypeptide 4, mouse, laboratory
Expressed Gene	cre, cre recombinase, bacteriophage P1
Site of Expression	male and female germ cells starting at embryonic day (e)15-e18
Strain of Origin	FVB
Chromosome	18
Molecular Note	A 5.6kb fragment of the Ddx4 promoter was ligated to the cre open reading frame with an engineered nuclear localization signal. Eight transgenic lines were created but only two possessed expressing in the gonads as early as E15. When the cre transgene is maternally expressed, all progeny can show ubiquitous recombination even if the cre is not inherited, likely due to perdurance of cre protein in the egg. . The transgene integrated into chromosome 18 causing a 1098 Kb deletion and deleting the genes Neto1 and Cbln2. The deletion results in a functional knock-out of both genes in homozygous mice. Founder line 1 has a copy number of greater than 20.
Mutations Made By	Diego Castrillon, University of Texas Southwestern

Disease/Phenotype

Disease Terms

Research Areas By Genotype

This mouse can be used to support research in many areas including:

Research Tools
- Genetics Research
  - Tissue/Cell Markers
  - Tissue/Cell Markers: primordial germ cell marker
  - Mutagenesis and Transgenesis: Cre-lox System
  - Tissue/Cell Markers: Cre-lox System
  - Mutagenesis and Transgenesis
- Cre-lox System
  - Cre Recombinase Expression
  - Cre Recombinase Expression: Germline/Embryonic Expression
- Reproductive Biology Research
  - Cre-lox System
  - male germ cells
  - oocyte
- Developmental Biology Research
  - Cre-lox System

Mammalian Phenotype Terms by Genotype

References

Gallardo T; Shirley L; John GB; Castrillon DH. 2007. Generation of a germ cell-specific mouse transgenic Cre line, Vasa-Cre. Genesis 45(6):413-7PubMed: 17551945 MGI: J:125051

Additional - Tg(Ddx4-cre)1Dcas related

Technical Support

Contact Technical Support

Genotyping Protocols
- QPCR: Generic Cre Quantitative PCR
- Melt Curve Analysis: Tg(Ddx4-Cre)
- Probe: Tg(Ddx4-cre)1Dcas-Chr18-alternate1
- Genotyping resources and troubleshooting
Breeding Considerations

When maintaining a live colony, hemizygous mice may be bred together or to wildtype siblings.
- Additional Breeding and Husbandry Support
Citation
When using the Vasa-Cre mouse strain in a publication, please cite the originating article(s) and include JAX stock #018980 in your Materials and Methods section.

Animal Health Reports

Facility Barrier Level Descriptions

Production of mice from cryopreserved embryos or sperm occurs in a maximum barrier room, G200

Pricing & Availability

Cryo Recovery

Domestic
International

Live Mouse

Age

Genotype

Price

weeks

Cryorecovery - Pricing

Service	Genotype	Price
	Hemizygous or non carrier for Tg(Ddx4-cre)1Dcas

We will fulfill your order by providing at least two carriers for each strain ordered. The total number, sex, and genotypes provided will vary, although typically 8 or more animals are provided. Please check genotypes which will be recovered. While the genotypes of all animals produced will be communicated to you prior to scheduling shipment, the genotypes of animals provided may not reflect the mating scheme and genotypes described in the strain description. Animals are typically ready to ship in 11-14 weeks. If a second recovery is required to produce the minimum number of animals, then delivery time would increase to approximately 25 weeks. If we fail to produce animals of the correct genotype, you will not be charged. We cannot guarantee the reproductive success of mice shipped to your facility. If the mice are lost after the first three days (post-arrival) or do not produce progeny at your facility, a new order and fee will be necessary.

Cryorecovery to establish a Dedicated Supply for greater quantities of mice. Mice recovered can be used to establish a dedicated colony to contractually supply you mice according to your requirements. Price by quotation.

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The Jackson Laboratory has rigorous genetic quality control and mutant gene genotyping programs to ensure the genetic background of JAX® Mice strains as well as the genotypes of strains with identified molecular mutations. JAX® Mice strains are only made available to researchers after meeting our standards. However, the phenotype of each strain may not be fully characterized and/or captured in the strain data sheets. Therefore, we cannot guarantee a strain's phenotype will meet all expectations. To ensure that JAX® Mice will meet the needs of individual research projects or when requesting a strain that is new to your research, we suggest ordering and performing tests on a small number of mice to determine suitability for your particular project.

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Also Known As: Vasa-Cre

Donating Investigator

Genetic overview

Research Applications

Base Price

Detailed Description

Development

Expression Data

Control Suggestions

Additional Information

Selected References

Tg(Ddx4-cre)1Dcas

Allele Symbol: Tg(Ddx4-cre)1Dcas

Disease Terms

Research Areas By Genotype

This mouse can be used to support research in many areas including:

Mammalian Phenotype Terms by Genotype

References

Additional - Tg(Ddx4-cre)1Dcas related

Genotyping Protocols

Breeding Considerations

Citation

Animal Health Reports

Production of mice from cryopreserved embryos or sperm occurs in a maximum barrier room, G200

Live Mouse

Cryorecovery - Pricing

Related Products and Services

Payment Terms and Conditions

The Jackson Laboratory's Genotype Promise

Terms of Use

Licensing Information

JAX® Mice, Products & Services Conditions of Use

No Warranty

Credit for PRODUCTS or SERVICES

Animal Care and Use for SERVICES

No Liability