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Dll3 and Notch1 genetic interactions model axial segmental and craniofacial malformations of human birth defects
Author(s) -
Loomes Kathleen M.,
Stevens Stacey A.,
O'Brien Megan L.,
Gonzalez Dorian M.,
Ryan Matthew J.,
Segalov Michelle,
Dormans Nicholas J.,
Mimoto Mizuho S.,
Gibson Joshua D.,
Sewell William,
Schaffer Alyssa A.,
Nah HyunDuck,
Rappaport Eric F.,
Pratt Stephen C.,
Dunwoodie Sally L.,
Kusumi Kenro
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
developmental dynamics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.634
H-Index - 141
eISSN - 1097-0177
pISSN - 1058-8388
DOI - 10.1002/dvdy.21296
Subject(s) - craniofacial , craniofacial abnormality , biology , notch signaling pathway , anatomy , somite , mutant , embryo , gene , genetics , embryogenesis
Abstract Mutations in the Notch1 receptor and delta‐like 3 ( Dll3 ) ligand cause global disruptions in axial segmental patterning. Genetic interactions between members of the notch pathway have previously been shown to cause patterning defects not observed in single gene disruptions. We examined Dll3‐Notch1 compound mouse mutants to screen for potential gene interactions. While mice heterozygous at either locus appeared normal, 30% of Dll3‐Notch1 double heterozygous animals exhibited localized, segmental anomalies similar to human congenital vertebral defects. Unexpectedly, double heterozygous mice also displayed statistically significant reduction of mandibular height and elongation of maxillary hard palate. Examination of somite‐stage embryos and perinatal anatomy and histology did not reveal any organ defects, so we used microarray‐based analysis of Dll3 and Notch1 mutant embryos to identify gene targets that may be involved in notch‐regulated segmental or craniofacial development. Thus, Dll3‐Notch1 double heterozygous mice model human congenital scoliosis and craniofacial disorders. Developmental Dynamics 236:2943–2951, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.