Establishing Glioma-associated Oncogene Homolog 1 Genetic Lineage-tracing Mice for Studies on Hepatic Fibrosis

Objective To establish Gli1-CreER^t2; tdTomato genetic lineage-tracing mice for studies on hepatic fibrosis. Methods Offspring of ROSA26 td Tomato (tdTomato) mice and Gli1-CreER^t2 mice (Gli1 mice) were obtained, with Gli1-CreER^t2; tdTomato genotype being identified by PCR. The mice model of hepatic fibrosis was induced with CCl₄. Their liver samples were taken. The formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded samples were prepared for HE staining and Masson staining. The expression of tdTomato was observed under immunofluorescent microscope. Results An ideal number of Gli1-CreER^t2; tdTomato genetic lineage-tracing mice were harvested. The differences in fertility between the parental and the offspring mice were not significant (P>0.05). Pseudolobular formation occurred in the CCl₄-induced hepatic fibrosis model mice. Enhanced red fluoresce was observed in the model mice. Conclusion Gli1-CreER^t2; tdTomato genetic lineage-tracing mice can be used to monitor the cell source of fibrous tissues, its transition as well as the underlying mechanism of pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis.