Opn4^{tm1.1(cre)Saha}

Cre recombinase preceded by a human beta-globin intron and nuclear localization signal was inserted immediately after the start codon of the Opn4 gene, replacing the open reading frame. An FRT-flanked pgk-neo cassette followed the cre coding sequence. Homologous recombination in ES cells resulted in replacement of the coding region of Opn4 with this construct. After establishing germline transmission of the allele, mice were crossed to Flp-expressing animals to remove the neo cassette with the Flp gene subsequently bred out of the line in creating homozygous mutants. (J:167871)