GENERATION OF CRE RECOMBINASE-SPECIFIC MONOCLONAL-ANTIBODIES, ABLE TOCHARACTERIZE THE PATTERN OF CRE EXPRESSION IN CRE-TRANSGENIC MOUSE STRAINS

Transgene-encoded Cre recombinase can target alteration of loxP-tagged genes to specific cell types and developmental stages in mice, depend ing on the pattern of transgene expression. To facilitate determinatio n of the latter, we have generated monoclonal anti-Cre antibodies whic h are specific for distinct epitopes on the recombinase and detect Cre both on immunoblots and intracellularly by immunofluorescence. We dem onstrate the usefulness of these antibodies by an analysis of Cre expr ession in mice carrying a cre-transgene under B cell-specific control. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.