GCNA (germ cell nuclear antigen) proteins arose in the earliest eukaryotes, predating the origin of a dedicated germline by a billion years. Gcna (germ cell nuclear acidic protein) expression is enriched in reproductive cells across eukarya - either just prior to or during meiosis in single-celled eukaryotes, and in stem cells and germ cells of diverse multicellular animals. 

Exon 4 of the mouse Gcna gene is flanked by loxP sites in this conditional mutant allele. Floxed animals demonstrate no overt phenotype. Cre-mediated excision of the floxed segment blocks expression of most transcripts. Some transcripts, incorporating exon 5, remain in male germ cells after the deletion of exon 4.

When bred to mice expressing cre recombinase in the germline, hemizygous males are predominantly sterile on the C57BL/6 genetic background and homozygous females are fertile.

Exon 4 of the X-linked mouse Gcna gene is flanked by loxP sites in this conditional mutant strain (GCNA 2lox). When mated to a germline cre strain, males lacking exon 4 show reduced GCNA transcription, and have fertility issues.

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

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.jax.org/jax-mice-and-services/customer-support" rel="noreferrer">Contact Customer Service</a> for more information.