Labeling for Cell Trafficking

This Knockin technology targets the insertion of a reporter in any cell-specific gene enabling a tight regulation of the reporter expression and consequently, a reliable cell labeling.

Genetically modified models have been developed to:

  • Label one-cell lineage using one biomarker specific to the cell lineage of interest.
  • Label one subpopulation of one-cell lineage, i.e. activated cells, as defined by the expression of a specific biomarker.

 

Case study 1: A Sox9-eGFP Knockin model enables to follow stage-specific changes of the Sertoli-germ cell mass in developing testis.

Adapted from Nel-Themaat et al. Dev Dyn 2009. Morphometric analysis of testis cord formation in Sox9-EGFP mice.

Labelled Cells Enable Trafficking Studies

Between E11.5 and E12.5, the testis increase in thickness and the first signs of differentiation appeare.

Formation of small protrusions of the Sertoli-germ cell mass.

Distinct, non-fluorescing areas in the tissue mass.

 

Case study 2: Knockin mice expressing a hemagglutinin (HA)-epitope-tagged dopamine transporter (DAT) allow to study endogenous transporter trafficking.

Adapted from Rao et al. FASEB J 2012. Epitope-tagged dopamine transporter knock-in mice reveal rapid endocytic trafficking and filopodia targeting of the transporter in dopaminergic axons.

Monitoring of endogenous transport trafficking in Knockin mice

Labelled Vesicules Enable Transport Studies

Localization of DAT in axons of dopamin (DA) neurons. Region of an axonal process.

Intracellular HA-DAT vesicles displayed rapid bidirectional movement. Red arrows indicate vesicles moving in the retrograde direction; green arrows indicate vesicles moving anterograde. Time (s) is indicated.