C11678: Transgenic Mouse Line with Inducible Diphtheria Toxin GeneNovelty:
A novel line of transgenic mice expressing stable inducible diphtheria toxin gene under the control of an NG-2 promoter. This mouse line can be used in neuroscience studies to induce a model state of chronic demyelination.
Value Proposition:
Neuronal cell studies are an important tool in deciphering the pathophysiology of disorders affecting the central nervous system (CNS). This invention presents genetically modified mice that contain an inducible diphtheria toxin gene which in the presence of Cre/Cre-ER in the oligonadendrocyte lineage, can be used to ablate oligodendrocyte progenitors in vivo. Other advantages include:
• Study homeostatic behavior of oligodendrocyte progenitors
• Oligodendrocyte degradation can be induced
• Serve as an animal model for chronic demyelination
Technical Details:
Johns Hopkins researchers have developed a line of transgenic mice (NG2-cDTa) in which diphtheria toxin can be expressed under the control of the NG-2 promoter. The incorporated transgene contains a loxP flanked STOP sequence placed in between the promoter and the diphtheria gene, which only allows the diphtheria gene to be constitutively expressed in the presence of Cre/Cre-ER gene.
Looking for Partners:
To license the technology as a research tool for neuronal cell studies.
Stage of Development:
Ready for commercial use
Data Availability:
Under CDA / NDA
Publications/Associated Cases:
C11675
C11676
C11677