A system for tissue-specific gene targeting: transgenic mice susceptible to subgroup A avian leukosis virus-based retroviral vectors.
Avian leukosis viruses (ALVs) have been used extensively as genetic vectors in avian systems, but their utility in mammals or mammalian cell lines is compromised by inefficient viral entry. We have overcome this limitation by generating transgenic mice that express the receptor for the subgroup A ALV under the control of the chicken alpha sk-actin promoter. The skeletal muscles of these transgenic animals are susceptible to efficient infection by subgroup A ALV. Because infection is restricted to cell lineages that express the transgene, the method has utility for studies of development and oncogenesis and will provide models for tissue-specific gene therapy.
Advanced BioScience Laboratories-Basic Research Program, National Cancer Institute-Frederick Cancer Research and Development Center, MD 21702-1201.
M J
MJ
Federspiel
P
P
Bates
J A
JA
Young
H E
HE
Varmus
S H
SH
Hughes
D000199:Actins / Q000235:genetics; D000818:Animals; D001354:Avian Leukosis Virus / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development; D018390:Gene Targeting / Q000379:methods*; D005822:Genetic Vectors; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D011991:Receptors, Virus / Q000235:genetics*; D014779:Virus Replication
D000199:Actins; D011991:Receptors, Virus