Gene replacement with the human BRCA1 locus: tissue specific expression and rescue of embryonic lethality in mice

We have generated transgenic mice that harbor a 140 kb genomic fragment of the human BRCA1 locus (TgNBRCA1GEN). We find that the transgene directs appropriate expression of human BRCA1 transcripts in multiple mouse tissues, and that human BRCA1 protein is expressed and stabilized following exposure to DNA damage. Such mice are completely normal, with no overt signs of BRCA1 toxicity commonly observed when BRCA1 is expressed from heterologous promoters. Most importantly, however, the transgene rescues the otherwise lethal phenotype associated with the targeted hypomorphic allele (Brca1ΔexllSA). Brca1−/−; TgNBRCA1GEN bigenic animals develop normally and can be maintained as a distinct line. These results show that a 140 kb fragment of chromosome 17 contains all elements necessary for the correct expression, localization, and function of the BRCA1 protein. Further, the model provides evidence that function and regulation of the human BRCA1 gene can be studied and manipulated in a genetically tractable mammalian system.