Pronuclear injection for the production of transgenic mice

Abstract

Transgenic mice have been instrumental in dissecting the role of various neuronal proteins under both physiological and pathological conditions. Pronuclear injection is the most widely used protocol for the generation of transgenic mice. Here, we describe all steps involved from DNA purification to the set up of a mouse colony including vasectomy, injection of the DNA into a donor zygote, transfer of injected zygotes into recipient foster mice, screening of offspring and establishment of transgenic mouse lines. We discuss the use of neuron-specific promoters to express proteins with a role in Alzheimer disease. Transgenic expression of a truncated form of the microtubule-associated protein tau (Δtau) is used as an example for the anticipated results.