Kras Knockout mouse models
Kras, the mouse ortholog of human KRAS, encodes the Ras isoform on which most epithelial tumors depend, a GTPase governed by Sos1-mediated exchange and by Nf1 and Rasa1 GAP activity, coupling receptor input to Raf, PI3K, and Ral effectors; unlike Hras it is farnesylated without palmitoylation and carries a polybasic hypervariable region, and alternative fourth-exon splicing produces the 4A and 4B isoforms with different membrane behavior. Codon 12, 13, and 61 substitutions abolish GAP-stimulated hydrolysis, and allele identity matters pharmacologically, since Gly12Cys and Gly12Asp are addressed by chemically distinct inhibitors. Homozygous deletion is embryonic lethal, uniquely among Ras genes, so conditional nulls are required, while Lox-Stop-Lox oncogenic knockins expressed at endogenous levels remain the standard for tumor initiation and humanization enables clinical-compound pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic testing. Hras and Nras can substitute developmentally when knocked into the Kras locus, evidence that dosage and localization, not sequence identity, drive the essential requirement.
Whole body loss of Kras gives the clearest readout when the question is whether the gene is required at all. Follow up tissue work can still move to a conditional allele if lethality or compensation appears.
What Kras Knockout mouse models are available?
ingenious targeting laboratory offers 1 distinct Kras knockout catalog mouse model. Researchers can order pre-developed catalog lines or request a custom mouse model, including humanized, knockin, and transgenic variations with verified germline transmission.
Catalog table
| Model | Type | Category | Availability | Catalog # | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kras-KO | Knockout | KO/CKO mice | sperm cryopreservation | KO 230318 | Inquire |
Designing a Kras Knockout allele
A complete Kras null is chiefly a benchmark for essentiality, since homozygotes die in mid to late gestation with anemia, thinned ventricular myocardium and motor neuron loss, and heterozygotes are unremarkable. The more informative deletion is isoform-selective. Removing only the alternative fourth exon that generates the palmitoylated minor isoform leaves animals viable and healthy, which establishes that the constitutively spliced major isoform carries the developmental requirement, and it converts a lethal gene into a tractable one for asking what the minor isoform contributes to tumor initiation and to membrane trafficking through a palmitoylation cycle rather than the polybasic route. That allele is worth building before a full null in most programs. If a full null is required, plan timed matings with hematological and cardiac assessment at defined stages, and confirm on a defined background, since gestational lethality windows shift with strain.
A conventional knockout answers whether the gene is required broadly. When your target tissue is the organ of interest, a global null can still be informative if viability is acceptable and you want the simplest genotype. If the null is harsh, a floxed allele with a regional Cre is the safer long term platform.
Pricing and quotes
The Kras Knockout lines listed above are catalog models. Send us the catalog number and our team confirms current availability, pricing, and whether the line ships cryopreserved or live.
If your study needs a Kras allele configuration that is not listed above, our scientific team designs and generates it. Model generation quotes return in about twenty four hours with project milestones and pricing.
FAQ
What Kras Knockout mouse models are available?
When Kras Knockout lines are in catalog, we ship from inventory. If your configuration is not listed, we design the allele to order. Common paths include conditional knockout, constitutive knockout, humanized, knockin, and transgenic options, with documented germline transmission and United States QC.
Is Kras knockout embryonic lethal in mice?
It depends on background and allele design. Some Kras germline knockouts are viable. Others need conditional alleles or mixed backgrounds. We review publications and our own experience, then recommend floxed versus null before you commit.
Which Cre driver is best for experiments?
Driver choice depends on onset timing, recombination efficiency, and known leak. We map your organ and cell type to a short list of proven Cre lines, then talk through reporter crosses and controls. We favor drivers with strong community validation for your tissue.
Do you ship live Kras animals?
When catalog lines are live, we ship with health certificates and QC documentation. If your exact combo is not listed, we quote a generation project with cryo or live dispatch depending on cohort timing and geography.
How do I request a quote for Kras?
Use the catalog inquire buttons or the request quote form. Include your allele goal, Cre plan if any, strain background, and cohort size. A PhD led team responds with pricing, milestones, and the fastest path to experimental animals.