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Hair pigmentation in transgenic mice.
1Biological Institute, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|December 26, 1991
Summary
Transgenic mice expressing a mouse tyrosinase minigene (mg-Tyrs-J) were created, resulting in altered hair pigmentation. Phenotypic variations among these mice suggest position effects influencing transgene expression.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Tyrosinase is a key enzyme in melanin biosynthesis.
- Genetic manipulation of tyrosinase can alter pigmentation phenotypes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and phenotypic effects of a mouse tyrosinase minigene in transgenic mice.
- To establish and characterize transgenic mouse lines with altered pigmentation.
Main Methods:
- Construction and microinjection of a mouse tyrosinase minigene (mg-Tyrs-J) into fertilized mouse eggs.
- Generation of transgenic mice through breeding founder mice with BALB/c albino mice.
- Southern blot analysis to assess transgene integration and characterization of phenotypic variations.
Main Results:
- Six transformed mice with brown agouti hair and variable pigmentation intensity were obtained.
- Established transgenic lines and sublines exhibited distinct phenotypes and Southern blot patterns.
- Phenotypic differences among sublines indicate transgene integration at a single chromosomal locus.
Conclusions:
- The mouse tyrosinase minigene is functional in transgenic mice, affecting hair color.
- Phenotypic variability is likely influenced by the integration site (position effect) of the transgene.
- Further investigation is needed to rule out nucleotide sequence modifications as a cause for phenotypic differences.