University of Kentucky

CBR 2- Transgenic Mouse

Institution

University of Kentucky

Abstract

Sustentacular cells, which support nasal neurons, play a key role in the detoxification of odorants. However, these cells have been neglected by olfactory biologists and it is likely that they perform important roles which the scientific community is yet to discover. One particular gene, Cbr2 (Carbonyl Reductase II), is only expressed in these sustentacular cells. During the early stages of this project, we studied the DNA regions within and surrounding this gene in order to predict the region that controls the expression of this gene. This region is known as the promoter element. Currently, we are designing a DNA construct in which the predicted promoter element will drive the expression of a protein that is labeled with GFP (Green Fluorescent Protein). The construct allows us to verify that we have identified the correct promoter element and that this promoter element can be used in a genetically modified mouse. After this construct is created and shown to be successful, the promoter element of the Cbr2 gene can then be transfected into a genetically modified mouse. Using this genetically modified mouse, we can purify the sustentacular cells so that we can discover nearly all the genes that the cell expresses. Once these genes are identified, we can understand what functions the cell is capable of performing in addition to its role as an odorant detoxifier.

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CBR 2- Transgenic Mouse

Sustentacular cells, which support nasal neurons, play a key role in the detoxification of odorants. However, these cells have been neglected by olfactory biologists and it is likely that they perform important roles which the scientific community is yet to discover. One particular gene, Cbr2 (Carbonyl Reductase II), is only expressed in these sustentacular cells. During the early stages of this project, we studied the DNA regions within and surrounding this gene in order to predict the region that controls the expression of this gene. This region is known as the promoter element. Currently, we are designing a DNA construct in which the predicted promoter element will drive the expression of a protein that is labeled with GFP (Green Fluorescent Protein). The construct allows us to verify that we have identified the correct promoter element and that this promoter element can be used in a genetically modified mouse. After this construct is created and shown to be successful, the promoter element of the Cbr2 gene can then be transfected into a genetically modified mouse. Using this genetically modified mouse, we can purify the sustentacular cells so that we can discover nearly all the genes that the cell expresses. Once these genes are identified, we can understand what functions the cell is capable of performing in addition to its role as an odorant detoxifier.