The murine retina contains more than 40 types of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) that respond to distinct visual features. Little is known about the developmental mechanisms that make one type of RGC different from another. Jam2 (junction adhesion molecule 2; also called JamB)-expressing RGCs (J-RGCs) are asymmetric and thus direction-selective. They respond to light decrements and have color-opponent receptive fields.

JamB-Cre knock-in/knock-out targeted mutant mice express cre recombinase from the mouse Jam2 promoter. Cre immunostaining and reporter analysis confirm that cre is selectively expressed by Jam2-expressing retinal ganglion cells (J-RGCs). JamB knock-out mice are viable and fertile and show no defects in overall retinal architecture, inner plexiform layer (IPL) organization, or mosaic spacing of retinal neurons. There are modest effects on dendro-dendritic interactions. 

The Jackson Laboratory also offers a transgenic tamoxifen-inducible JAM-B cre/ERT2 strain (see Stock No. <a href="https://www.jax.org/strain/029417"">029417</a>) made by the Sanes research group, providing an additional means to assess and analyze J-RGCs. Low levels of cre expression in multiple developing cell types limits the usefulness of the cre line for labeling specific cell types by mating to reporter lines. Use of an adeno-associated virus (AAV) with reduced sensitivity to cre recombination enables selective labeling of J-RGCs.

Use of MICE by companies or for-profit entities requires a license prior to shipping.

JamB-Cre knock-in/knock-out targeted mutant mice express cre recombinase from the mouse Jam2 promoter. This strain has been useful in analyzing dendritic morphogenesis of Jam2-expressing retinal ganglion cells (J-RGCs) of the eye.

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.