Transgenic mice ubiquitously expressing Human Placental Alkaline Phosphatase (PLAP): an additional reporter gene for use in tandem with beta-galactosidase (lacZ)

A fundamental keystone of developmental biology has been the growing use of reporter genes in model transgenic systems. Their use has greatly facilita ted investigations of cell lineage and cell fate in addition to aiding expe riments aimed at determining patterns of gene expression, gene interaction and gene regulation. Through construction of transgenic mice, ubiquitously expressing human placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP), we demonstrate the suitability of FLAP as a reporter gene for use in conjunction with, or as a n alternative to, beta-galactosidase (lacZ). Our findings demonstrate that over-expression of FLAP has no adverse effects on mouse development or viab ility, despite a widespread pattern of expression. This technology provides a simple yet effective mechanism based on eukaryotic reporter gene technol ogy to facilitate the identification of transgenic cells within complex in vivo systems