Generation and Imaging of Transgenic Mice that Express G-CaMP7 under a Tetracycline Response Element

PLoS One. 2015 May 6;10(5):e0125354. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0125354. eCollection 2015.

Abstract

The spatiotemporally controlled expression of G-CaMP fluorescent calcium indicator proteins can facilitate reliable imaging of brain circuit activity. Here, we generated a transgenic mouse line that expresses G-CaMP7 under a tetracycline response element. When crossed with a forebrain-specific tetracycline-controlled transactivator driver line, the mice expressed G-CaMP7 in defined cell populations in a tetracycline-controlled manner, notably in pyramidal neurons in layer 2/3 of the cortex and in the CA1 area of the hippocampus; this expression allowed for imaging of the in vivo activity of these circuits. This mouse line thus provides a useful genetic tool for controlled G-CaMP expression in vivo.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CA1 Region, Hippocampal / metabolism*
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Diagnostic Imaging / methods*
  • Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer / methods
  • Gene Expression / genetics
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence / methods
  • Pyramidal Cells / metabolism*
  • Response Elements / genetics*
  • Tetracycline / pharmacology

Substances

  • Membrane Proteins
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • Tetracycline
  • Calcium