Tg(NPHS2-CASP8*)1Pesch

The 2.5-kb human podocin promoter (Nphs2) drives expression of human caspase 8 fused to serial FKBPv (Phe36Val mutant FKBP) dimerization domains. A myristoylation site was included to provide membrane attachment for the caspase 8/FKBP fusion protein. Expression of the fusion protein under the control of the Nphs2 podocyte specific promoter, together with treatment to induce dimerization of the FKBP domains, results in widespread apoptosis of podocytes. Four transgenic lines were generated, but one line showed high expression and was studied further. (J:321645)