Generation of Cre recombinase-specific monoclonal antibodies, able to characterize the pattern of Cre expression in cre-transgenic mouse strains.

Transgene-encoded Cre recombinase can target alteration of loxP-tagged genes to specific cell types and developmental stages in mice, depending on the pattern of transgene expression. To facilitate determination of the latter, we have generated monoclonal anti-Cre antibodies which are specific for distinct epitopes on the recombinase and detect Cre both on immunoblots and intracellularly by immunofluorescence. We demonstrate the usefulness of these antibodies by an analysis of Cre expression in mice carrying a cre-transgene under B cell-specific control.