Figure 2. Long term presence of the radial GFP rays in Krt12^R/R/TC/Rosa26^F/GFP mice after Dox withdrawal.

GFP expression in Krt12^R/TC/Rosa26^F/GFP triple mice at five weeks of age was induced by Dox for 4 days, then followed by regular chow without Dox. (A) Live images taken from a Krt12^R/TC/Rosa26^F/GFP triple mouse at the indicated days after Dox withdrawal. (B) Flat mount image of cornea from a mouse at 20 days after Dox withdrawal. (C) Cryostatic cornea section showing a continuous GFP ray from a Krt12^R/TC/Rosa26^F/GFP triple transgenic mouse. Diamidinophenylindole (DAPI; blue) was used for nuclear counterstaining. (D) Diagram showing dynamic change of Krt12/GFP expression and long-term presence of Krt12/GFP strips forming from Krt12/GFP marked limbal progenitor cells. Black arrows indicate the limbal epithelial progenitors. Scale bars = 2 mm in (A,B), 200 μm in (C). The images shown were representatives from 5 eyes examined.