title: Rhodopsin-EGFP knock-ins for imaging quantal gene alterations.
abstract: We have developed an imaging approach to monitor changes in gene structure in photoreceptors. We review here, the strategy and recent progress. Knock-in mice bearing a human rhodopsin-EGFP fusion gene potentially allow detection of a single molecular event: correction of a single copy of a gene within an entire retina. These mice can also be used for imaging rhodopsin distribution, membrane structure, and trafficking in normal mice or in disease states, using confocal or multiphoton fluorescence imaging techniques. They represent tools for studying molecular triggers of photoreceptor development, for following stem cell populations, and for evaluating retinal transplantation experiments.
authors.affiliation: Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA. twensel@bcm.tmc.edu
authors.forename: Theodore G
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: Wensel
authors.forename: Alecia K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Gross
authors.forename: Fung
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: Kristen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sykoudis
authors.forename: John H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Wilson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D030801:Animals, Genetically Modified; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D010786:Photoreceptor Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D012160:Retina / Q000473:pathology*; D012162:Retinal Degeneration / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D012243:Rhodopsin / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins; D012243:Rhodopsin