Preparation of ORP4L/ApoE double-gene knockout mice

ORP4L, a member of the Oxysterol-binding protein (OSBP) related-proteins (ORPs) family, has been shown crucial in cell survival. But its role in macrophage function and effect in atherosclerosis are not clear. The mouse lack of ApoE spontaneously develops atherosclerosis lesions on a high-fat diet, and the distribution of the atherosclerosis plaques is similar to human. Thus ApoE knockout mouse is an ideal animal model for the research of atherosclerosis. In this study, ORP4L heterozygous mice were mated with ApoE knockout mice and ORP4L/ApoE heterozygous mice were generated, then the ORP4L/ApoE heterozygous mice mated with each other and ORP4L/ApoE double gene knockout (DKO) mice were obtained. The model with ORP4L/ApoE double-gene knockout will be used for further observation of ORP4L role in atherosclerosis.