Tg(Afp-lacZ)1Scnch

Mice bearing this transgene express beta-galactosidase (from the E. coli lacZ gene) with a nuclear localization signal driven by a 3299-base pair (bp) fragment of the rat alpha-fetoprotein promoter, encompassing nucleotides -3217 to +102 relative to the transcription start site. This expression construct was inserted into a retroviral plasmid-derived vector in opposite orientation to a neomycin resistance gene under control of the SV40 early promoter. Beta-galactosidase is present at high levels in transgenic fetal liver, where it is restricted to hepatocytes, peaks at birth, and decreases to insignificant levels in the adult liver. (J:239809, J:239810)