A unique expression pattern of Tbx10 in the hindbrain as revealed by Tbx10(LacZ) allele

To study the expression/function of Tbx10, a T-box gene, Tbx10(LacZ/+) mice were established by replacing the T-box coding region with a LacZ gene. X-gal staining showed that LacZ(+) cells were localized to two-cell populations in rhombomere 4 and rhombomere 6. No significant differences in the locations of LacZ(+) cells were found between Tbx10(LacZ/+) and Tbx10(LacZ/LacZ) mice, and the Tbx10(LacZ/LacZ) mice were viable and fertile. We found that the LacZ(+) cells are present in both embryonic and adult mice. Histological studies suggest that the rhombomere 4-derived LacZ(+) cells are a subpopulation of the ventral interneurons in the pons.