Novel Myh11 Dual Reporter Mouse Model Provides Definitive Labeling and Identification of Smooth Muscle Cells—Brief Report

Objective: Myh11 encodes a myosin heavy chain protein that is specifically expressed in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and important for maintaining vascular wall stability. The goal of this study to generate dual reporter mouse line definitive visualization MYH11 + SMCs vivo. Approach Results: We generated knock-in model by inserting LoxP-nlacZ-4XpolyA-LoxP-H2B-GFP-polyA-FRT-Neo-FRT cassette into the gene locus. nuclear (n) lacZ-4XpolyA flanked 2 LoxP sites followed H2B-GFP (histone 2B fused green fluorescent protein). Upon Cre-mediated recombination, nlacZ-stop removed thereby permitting nucleus localized expression. Expression lacZ or under control endogenous promoter. Nuclear was at embryonic adult stages. Following germline deletion lacZ, nuclei SMCs. Comparison expression with Wnt1 Cre Mef2c mediated-H2B-GFP revealed heterogenous origins from neural crest second heart field great arteries coronary vessels adjacent aortic root. Conclusions: offers an exceptional genetic tool visualize trace mice.