Premium
Generation and characterization of a novel neural crest marker allele, Inka1‐LacZ , reveals a role for Inka1 in mouse neural tube closure
Author(s) -
Reid Bethany S.,
Sargent Thomas D.,
Williams Trevor
Publication year - 2010
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.22248
Subject(s) - biology , neural crest , exencephaly , neural tube , mesenchyme , mesoderm , genetics , neural fold , paraxial mesoderm , neurulation , microbiology and biotechnology , neural plate , allele , somite , embryogenesis , gene , embryonic stem cell , gastrulation , embryo , fetus , pregnancy , teratology
Previous studies identified Inka1 as a gene regulated by AP‐2α in the neural crest required for craniofacial morphogenesis in fish and frog. Here, we extend the analysis of Inka1 function and regulation to the mouse by generating a LacZ knock‐in allele. Inka1‐LacZ allele expression occurs in the cephalic mesenchyme, heart, and paraxial mesoderm prior to E8.5. Subsequently, expression is observed in the migratory neural crest cells and their derivatives. Consistent with expression of Inka1 in tissues of the developing head during neurulation, a low percentage of Inka1 −/− mice show exencephaly while the remainder are viable and fertile. Further studies indicate that AP‐2α is not required for Inka1 expression in the mouse, and suggest that there is no significant genetic interaction between these two factors during embryogenesis. Together, these data demonstrate that while the expression domain of Inka1 is conserved among vertebrates, its function and regulation are not. Developmental Dynamics 239:1188–1196, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.