Tg(tetO-Gdnf,lacZ)14Brke

This transgene contains nucleotides 39-685 of the rat glial cell line derived neurotrophic factor (Gdnf) cDNA sequence (GenBank accession L15305) and the bacterial lacZ gene whose expression is driven by a tetracycline-responsive bidirectional promoter; each cDNA lies downstream of one of a pair of minimal promoters flanking a series of 7 copies of the tet operator (tetO) sequence. In doubly transgenic mice expressing the tetracycline transactivator or reverse transactivator protein in tissues of interest, expression of beta-galactosidase and GDNF can be regulated by administration of a tetracycline analog. Culture with striatal cells from transgenic mice induces exuberant sprouting in mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons, demonstrating functional activity of transgene-derived GDNF. (J:90075)