Reporter Molecules in Genetically Engineered Mice

Reporter molecules are commonly used in transgenic mice to follow in vivo gene expression patterns through all developmental stages of the life cycle in all tissues. Numerous reporters are available for use in transgenic mice. The selection of a particular marker for gene expression will affect the type of information that can be obtained from a genetically engineered mouse model. For example, some reporters are suitable for observations of living cells and others for tissue sections or protein extracts. Depending on the reporter molecule, gene expression can be detected by the addition of an enzyme substrate, visualized with an ultraviolet (UV) light, or analyzed with sophisticated instrumentation for flow cytometry, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography (1 –6 ).