Cre toxicity in mouse models of cardiovascular physiology and disease

The Cre–LoxP system provides a widely used method for studying gene requirements in the mouse as main mammalian genetic model organism. To define molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie cardiovascular development, function disease, various strains have been engineered allow Cre–LoxP-mediated targeting within specific cell types of system. Despite usefulness this system, evidence is accumulating Cre activity can toxic effects cells, which are independent its ability to recombine pairs LoxP sites target genes. Here, we gathered published toxicity cells tissues relevant biology provide an overview proposed toxicity. Based on knowledge, propose each study utilizing investigate should incorporate appropriate controls account