HuGE, a novel GFP-actin-expressing mouse line for studying cytoskeletal dynamics

Eur J Cell Biol. 2007 Jan;86(1):3-12. doi: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2006.08.007. Epub 2006 Oct 16.

Abstract

Analysis of actin remodeling in live cells and tissues has become an increasingly important tool to study actin-dependent cellular processes. To facilitate these experiments in the mouse we have generated a GFP-actin-expressing line (huGE) by knock-in of the GFP-actin gene into the profilin 1 locus. Here we show that GFP-actin is expressed throughout embryonic development and in all tissues except skeletal muscle, in a pattern similar to profilin 1. Particularly high expression of GFP-actin was observed in bone marrow and all blood cells. The GFP-actin fusion protein is functional as shown by its co-localization with endogenous actin in F-actin-rich structures. Therefore, the huGE mouse line provides a novel tool to monitor actin dynamics in mouse embryos and a wide range of organs.

MeSH terms

  • Actins / genetics*
  • Actins / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Blood Cells / cytology
  • Blood Cells / metabolism
  • Bone Marrow Cells / cytology
  • Bone Marrow Cells / metabolism
  • Cell Line*
  • Cytoskeleton / genetics*
  • Cytoskeleton / metabolism
  • Embryonic Development / genetics
  • Embryonic Development / physiology
  • Fibroblasts / cytology
  • Fibroblasts / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • Lymphocytes / cytology
  • Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Macrophages / cytology
  • Macrophages / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout / genetics*
  • Myeloid Cells / cytology
  • Myeloid Cells / metabolism
  • Profilins / genetics*
  • Profilins / metabolism

Substances

  • Actins
  • Pfn1 protein, mouse
  • Profilins
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins