Epididymal initial segment-specific Cre recombinase activity in Lcn8-Cre knock-in mice.

Background: Sperm acquire the ability to fertilize ova through a complex process of epididymal maturation. To identify the functions of genes expressed in the proximal epididymis, mouse models specific to this region are needed.

Methods And Results: A Lcn8-Cre knock-in mouse line was generated using CRISPR/Cas9 technology.

A novel mouse line with epididymal initial segment-specific expression of Cre recombinase driven by the endogenous Lcn9 promoter.

Spermatozoa released from testes undergo a maturation process and acquire the capacity to fertilize ova through epididymal transit. The epididymis is divided into four regions, each with unique morphology, gene profile, luminal microenvironment and distinct function. To study the functions of relevant genes in the epididymal initial segment (IS), a novel IS-specific mouse model, Lcn9-Cre knock-in (KI) mouse line was generated via CRISPR/Cas9 technology.