A novel adipose-specific gene deletion model demonstrates potential pitfalls of existing methods

SE Mullican, T Tomaru, CA Gaddis… - Molecular …, 2013 - academic.oup.com
SE Mullican, T Tomaru, CA Gaddis, LC Peed, A Sundaram, MA Lazar
Molecular endocrinology, 2013academic.oup.com
Adipose-specific gene deletion in mice is crucial in determining gene function in adipocyte
homeostasis and the development of obesity. We noted 100% mortality when the Hdac3
gene was conditionally deleted using Fabp4-Cre mice, the most commonly used model of
adipose-targeted Cre recombinase. However, this surprising result was not reproduced
using other models of adipose targeting of Cre, including a novel Retn-Cre mouse. These
findings underscore the need for caution when interpreting data obtained using Fabp4-Cre …
Abstract
Adipose-specific gene deletion in mice is crucial in determining gene function in adipocyte homeostasis and the development of obesity. We noted 100% mortality when the Hdac3 gene was conditionally deleted using Fabp4-Cre mice, the most commonly used model of adipose-targeted Cre recombinase. However, this surprising result was not reproduced using other models of adipose targeting of Cre, including a novel Retn-Cre mouse. These findings underscore the need for caution when interpreting data obtained using Fabp4-Cre mice and should encourage the use of additional or alternative adipose-targeting Cre mouse models before drawing conclusions about in vivo adipocyte-specific functions.
Oxford University Press