Inducing primary brainstem gliomas in genetically engineered mice using RCAS/TVA retroviruses and Cre/loxP recombination

Abstract

Summary: Genetically engineered mice are commonly used to model brainstem gliomas in pre-clinical research. One technique for inducing primary tumors in these genetically engineered mice involves delivering viral vectors containing the code for gene-editing proteins. We present a protocol for generating primary brainstem gliomas using the RCAS-TVA retroviral delivery system and the Cre/loxP gene editing system. We describe steps for transfecting and harvesting chicken fibroblast cells, intracranially injecting cells into mice, imaging primary tumors, and treating primary tumors with focal, image-guided brain irradiation.For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Deland et al. (2021).1 : Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.

Keywords

• Cancer
• Health Sciences
• Microscopy
• Model Organisms
• Molecular Biology
• Neuroscience