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Generation of an Frs2alpha conditional null allele
Yongshun Lin1, Jue Zhang, Yongyou Zhang
1Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Houston, Texas 77030-3303, USA.
Genesis (New York, N.Y. : 2000)
|September 18, 2007
Summary
Fibroblast growth factor receptor substrate 2 alpha (FRS2alpha) is crucial for embryonic development. Researchers created a conditional null allele to study FRS2alpha function in adult tissues, overcoming embryonic lethality.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) signaling regulates critical cellular processes.
- FGF Receptor Substrate 2 alpha (FRS2alpha) acts as an adaptor protein in FGF receptor (FGFR) signaling.
- Complete disruption of the Frs2alpha gene causes embryonic lethality, preventing study of its role in adult tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a tool for investigating the function of FRS2alpha in adult tissue homeostasis and function.
- To circumvent the embryonic lethality associated with complete Frs2alpha gene disruption.
Main Methods:
- Gene targeting in mouse embryonic stem cells to create a conditional null allele.
- Introduction of two loxP sites flanking exon 5 of the Frs2alpha gene.
- Utilizing Cre recombinase for temporally- and tissue-specific gene disruption.
Main Results:
- A floxed Frs2alpha (Frs2alpha(flox)) allele was successfully generated.
- The Frs2alpha(flox) allele encodes wildtype activity.
- Cre-mediated recombination converts the Frs2alpha(flox) allele to a null allele.
Conclusions:
- The Frs2alpha(flox) allele serves as a functional conditional null allele.
- This tool enables the study of FRS2alpha's role in adult tissue homeostasis and function.
- The conditional allele overcomes the limitations imposed by embryonic lethality.
