Transgenic mouse line for targeting hepatic stellate cells
This technology is a transgenic mouse line that expresses Cre recombinase by the lecithin retinol acyltransferase gene (Lrat) that can be used to specifically target of hepatic stellate cells in the liver.
Unmet Need: Tool for understanding the role of hepatic stellate cells in the liver
Cre-recombinase transgenic mice are commonly used to target gene expression to specific cell types. Current transgenic mice lines are either not efficient or not specific for hepatic stellate cells. This makes it difficult to genetically manipulate hepatic stellate cells to understand their signaling pathways in the liver and role in fibrosis.
The Technology: Transgenic mouse line for labeling and genetically manipulating hepatic stellate cells
This transgenic mouse line expresses Cre recombinase driven by the lecithin retinol acyltransferase gene (Lrat). This gene is abundant in hepatic stellate cells and thus is an excellent marker of this cell type in the liver. This technology can be recombined with other floxed Cre reporter genes to trace hepatic stellate cells in the liver or to direct gene expression or ablation specifically in these cells.
This technology has been validated with a fluorescent Cre reporter to demonstrate labelling of up to 99% of hepatic stellate cells.
Applications:
- Labeling of hepatic stellate cells in the liver
- Direct gene expression to hepatic stellate cells in the liver
- Drug screening
- Research tool for understanding signaling pathways in this cell type
- Research tool for liver fibrosis
Advantages:
- Highly specific for hepatic stellate cells in the liver
- Efficient at labeling hepatic stellate cells
- Can label Lrat expressing cells in other organs
Lead Inventor:
Related Publications:
Tech Ventures Reference:
IR CU15191
Licensing Contact: Joan Martinez