Tg(Prnp*)CDah

The transgene consists of 12 kb of the mouse Prnp promoter region, which includes intron 1, and a mutant Prnp cDNA containing 9 octapeptide insertions rich in glycine and proline residues. This mutation is found in human prion diseases. The transgene also includes an epitope tag for monoclonal antibody 3F4. Hemizygous mice of line C carry four copies of the transgenic construct, as determined by quantitative Southern blot analysis. Western blot analysis of brain homogenates using the 3F4 antibody demonstrates expression of the mutant prion protein at 0.15-fold the level of endogenous hamster PrP. (J:51891)