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Gene targeted ablation of high molecular weight fibroblast growth factor‐2
Author(s) -
Azhar Mohamad,
Yin Moying,
Zhou Ming,
Li Hongqi,
Mustafa Marwan,
Nusayr Eyad,
Keenan Jack B.,
Chen Hwudaurw,
Pawlosky Sharon,
Gard Connie,
Grisham Christina,
Sanford L. Philip,
Doetschman Tom
Publication year - 2009
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.21835
Subject(s) - gene isoform , biology , fibroblast growth factor , endocrinology , growth factor , medicine , gene , immunohistochemistry , microbiology and biotechnology , genetics , immunology , receptor
Abstract Fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF2) is produced as high molecular weight isoforms (HMW) and a low molecular weight isoform (LMW) by means of alternative usage of translation start sites in a single Fgf2 mRNA. Although the physiological function of FGF2 and FGF2 LMW has been investigated in myocardial capillarogenesis during normal cardiac growth, the role of FGF2 HMW has not been determined. Here, we report the generation of FGF2 HMW‐deficient mice in which FGF2 HMW isoforms are ablated by the Tag‐and‐Exchange gene targeting technique. These mice are normal and fertile with normal fecundity, and have a normal life span. Histological, immunohistochemical, and morphometric analyses indicate normal myocardial architecture, blood vessel, and cardiac capillary density in young adult FGF2 HMW‐deficient mice. These mice along with the FGF2‐ and FGF2 LMW‐deficient mice that we have generated previously will be very useful for elucidating the differential functions of FGF2 isoforms in pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases. Developmental Dynamics 238:351–357, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.