Tissue Specific Cre Lines
Since 1998, ingenious targeting laboratory has generated and utilized tissue specific Cre driver lines in hundreds of conditional knockout and knockin projects, providing researchers with precise spatial control of gene manipulation in specific cell types and organs.
Tissue specific Cre lines enable gene deletion or activation restricted to defined cell populations, distinguishing cell autonomous from non cell autonomous gene functions.
Nervous System Cre Drivers
Pan Neuronal
- Nestin CreNeural progenitors
- Synapsin CreMature neurons
- CamKII CreForebrain excitatory neurons
Cell Type Specific
- POMC CrePOMC neurons
- AgRP CreAgRP neurons
- DAT CreDopaminergic neurons
- PV CrePV+ interneurons
Glial
- GFAP CreAstrocytes
- Olig2 CreOligodendrocyte lineage
- CX3CR1 CreMicroglia
Metabolic and Cardiovascular Cre Drivers
Metabolic Tissues
| Albumin Cre | Hepatocytes |
| Adiponectin Cre | Adipocytes |
| Pdx1 Cre | Pancreatic beta cells |
| Villin Cre | Intestinal epithelium |
Cardiovascular Tissues
| Myh6 Cre | Cardiomyocytes |
| SM22 Cre | Smooth muscle |
| Cdh5 Cre | Endothelial cells |
| Tie2 Cre | Endothelium/hematopoietic |
Selection Considerations
Specificity
How specific is expression to target cell type? Some drivers have broader expression than expected.
Expression Level
Sufficient Cre expression for complete recombination? Weak drivers may cause mosaic deletion.
Developmental Timing
When does Cre expression begin? Early expression affects all descendants.
Off Target Activity
Does the driver express in unintended tissues? Germline expression causes global recombination.
What Researchers Say
“I've been working with iTL over the past 5 years in the production of 3 different genetically altered mice. Not only did iTL help in the design of the mice, but the entire process was transparent with the opportunity at any time along the way to discuss my questions or concerns with scientists who had significant insight into the process. The mice were delivered on time, as billed!”
— Raghu Mirmira, MD, PhD
University of Chicago
Start Your Cre Driver Project
Our scientific consultants can help you select the optimal Cre driver line or design custom Cre knockin models for your research goals.
Frequently asked questions
Cre Line Technology Insights
Stay informed on Cre driver selection, tissue-specific targeting strategies, and the latest advances in conditional gene manipulation. Expert insights delivered biweekly.