Cre recombinase expression in cerebellar Purkinje cells

The cerebellar cortex and its sole output, the Purkinje cell, have been imp licated in motor coordination, learning and cognitive functions. Therefore, the ability to generate Purkinje cell-specific mutations in physiologicall y relevant genes is of particular neurobiological interest. A suitable appr oach is the Cre/loxP strategy that allows temporally and spatially controll ed gene inactivation. Here, we present the characterization of transgenic m ouse strains expressing Cre recombinase controlled by the L7/pcp-2 gene. En dogenous L7/pcp-2 protein is expressed exclusively in Purkinje cells and re tinal bipolar neurones. Recombination was detected by beta -galactosidase h istochemistry in tissues from crosses of the L7/pcp-2:Cre transgenic lines with two different indicator strains, GtROSA26 and ACZL. Purkinje cells in all folia of the cerebellum displayed intense beta -galactosidase staining, whereas only few blue cells were observed in the retina and other parts of the CNS, Thus, these transgenic lines are potentially of great importance for genetic manipulations in cerebellar Purkinje cells. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss , Inc.