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Extracellular matrix-associated protein Sc1 is not essential for mouse development.
P J McKinnon1, S K McLaughlin, M Kapsetaki
1Department of Genetics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, USA. peter.mckinnon@stjude.org
Molecular and Cellular Biology
|December 28, 1999
Summary
The extracellular matrix protein Sc1 is widely expressed early in development and later in the nervous system. Sc1-null mice showed no deficits, suggesting Sc1 is not critical for development or redundant.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Neuroscience
- Extracellular matrix biology
Background:
- Sc1 is an extracellular matrix-associated protein with an unknown function.
- Sc1 expression is widespread during early embryonic development and becomes restricted to the nervous system by embryonic day 12 (E12).
- This expression shift suggests a potential role for Sc1 in nervous system development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function of Sc1 during embryonic development.
- To determine the consequences of Sc1 inactivation in mice.
Main Methods:
- Gene targeting was employed to create Sc1-null mice.
- Phenotypic analysis of Sc1-null mice, including organ assessment, fertility, histology, and survival rates.
Main Results:
- Sc1-null mice exhibited no obvious organ deficits.
- These mice were born at expected Mendelian ratios and were fertile.
- Histological examination revealed no abnormalities, and long-term survival was comparable to wild-type littermates.
Conclusions:
- The function of Sc1 during development is not essential.
- Alternatively, another protein may compensate for the absence of Sc1 during development.