These “Glowing Head” (GH) transgenic mice express the ffLuc-eGFP (firefly luciferase-Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein) fusion gene under the control of the rat growth hormone gene promoter. Transgene expression is targeted to the non-immune privileged anterior pituitary and does not interfere with pituitary function, as assessed by serum growth hormone levels. Bioluminescence is detected in the head and testes by <i>in vivo</i> imaging.  Antigenicity of xenobiotic makers, including luciferase and GFP, causes
decrease in both the growth and metastatic potential of the labeled tumor in immunocompetent mice.
These transgenic mice are immune-tolerant to firefly luciferase and Enhanced Green Fluorescent protein, and can be used as an allograft recipient for labeled syngeneic tumor transplantation, avoiding the effects of xenobiotic/antigenic reporters on testing therapeutic agents.
Metastases originating from transplanted ffLuc-eGFP-labeled cancer cells or tumors are increased in GH mice compared to similarly treated wildtype controls and BALB/c background NOD/SCID mice (see Stock No. <a href="https://www.jax.org/strain/017619">017619</a>).

Mice that are homozygous for the transgene are viable and fertile.  Homozygous mice may have a two-fold increase in head bioluminescence intensity.
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This “Glowing Head” transgenic is also available on a C57BL/6 genetic background: Stock No. <a href="https://www.jax.org/strain/027662">027662</a>, and a BALB/c background:  Stock No. <a href="https://www.jax.org/strain/027848">027848</a>.


These Glowing Head transgenic mice are immunologically tolerant to firefly luciferase and Enhanced Green Fluorescent protein, and can be used as a host for labeled syngeneic tumor transplantation.

Typically mice are recovered in 12-16 weeks. Contact Customer Service to place an order or for more information.

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