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Published on: May 27, 2015
Conditional gp130 deficient mouse mutants
Nicolas Fasnacht1, Werner Müller
1Helmholtz-Center for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany.
Abstract:
The common cytokine receptor chain, gp130, controls the activity of a group of cytokines, namely, IL-6, IL-11, IL-27, ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), oncostatin M (OSM), cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1), cardiotrophin-like cytokine (CLC) and neuropoietin (NPN). This family of cytokines is involved in multiple different biological processes, including inflammation, acute phase response, immune responses and cell survival. To analyze the different components of the gp130 network, mouse mutants for the single cytokine were generated by conventional gene targeting. However, since the cytokines of the IL-6 family show redundancy, it does not reveal the complete picture. Therefore, the study of mice with a cell type specific inactivation of the gp130 receptor chain is an approach that will subsequently allow the dissection of the cellular cytokine network. Here, we summarize the experimental results of the conditional gp130 mutants published so far.
Insights
The gp130 receptor chain regulates key cytokines involved in inflammation and immunity. Conditional gp130 mutants in mice help dissect this complex cellular cytokine network, overcoming redundancy issues.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The glycoprotein 130 (gp130) receptor chain is central to the activity of numerous cytokines, including IL-6 and LIF.
- These cytokines are crucial for diverse biological processes such as inflammation, immune responses, and cell survival.
- Previous studies using single cytokine knockout mice were limited by functional redundancy within the IL-6 family.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the intricate roles of the gp130 cytokine network.
- To overcome the limitations of redundancy in studying IL-6 family cytokines.
- To summarize findings from conditional gp130 receptor chain mutants in mice.
Main Methods:
- Generation of conditional gp130 receptor chain knockout mouse models.
- Cell type-specific inactivation of the gp130 receptor chain.
- Analysis of experimental results from these conditional mutants.
Main Results:
- Conditional gp130 mutants enable the dissection of cellular cytokine networks.
- This approach provides a clearer understanding of cytokine functions despite redundancy.
- Summarizes published experimental data from these conditional mouse models.
Conclusions:
- Conditional inactivation of gp130 is a powerful strategy to study cytokine function.
- This research clarifies the roles of gp130-mediated signaling in various biological processes.
- The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the cellular cytokine network.

