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Conditional alleles of Msx1 and Msx2
Author(s) -
Fu Hualin,
Ishii Mamoru,
Gu Ying,
Maxson Robert
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
genesis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.093
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1526-968X
pISSN - 1526-954X
DOI - 10.1002/dvg.20316
Subject(s) - biology , homeobox , genetics , mutant , allele , germline , gene , cre recombinase , exon , phenotype , transgene , transcription factor , genetically modified mouse
The msh‐related homeobox genes, Msx1 and Msx2 , have a variety functions during murine organogenesis, Msx1 in the development of the palate and teeth, Msx2 in the skull, teeth, and skin. Msx1 mutants die perinatally. Compound Msx1‐2 mutants do not survive past late gestation. The multiplicity of functions of Msx1 and 2, as well as the lethality of Msx1 and Msx1‐2 mutants limits the utility of the conventional knockouts. We therefore produced conditional alleles of Msx1 and Msx2 . We constructed targeting vectors with LoxP sites flanking the homeodomain‐encoding second exons and Frt sites flanking a neo gene. These vectors were used to produce targeted ES cells and mice with floxed alleles. The functionality of the LoxP sites in the floxed alleles was established by crosses with K14‐Cre mice (epidermis‐specific), and with an Msx2 ‐Cre line that produces a germline deletion. Analysis of progeny by PCR revealed correct Cre‐mediated recombination, as well as expected phenotypes. genesis 45:477–481, 2007. Published 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.