Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 4, 2026
09:02
Validation of a Mouse Model to Disrupt LINC Complexes in a Cell-specific Manner
Published on: December 10, 2015
6.8K
Multiple knockout mouse models reveal lincRNAs are required for life and brain development
Martin Sauvageau1, Loyal A Goff, Simona Lodato
1Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States.
Elife
|January 2, 2014
Summary
Researchers created 18 long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) knockout mouse strains to study their in vivo roles. Several strains showed severe developmental defects, proving lncRNAs are critical for physiological functions.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are increasingly recognized for their functional roles.
- However, their in vivo relevance is often unconfirmed due to a lack of animal models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo functional relevance of lncRNAs.
- To create and characterize a collection of lncRNA knockout mouse strains.
Main Methods:
- Development of 18 lncRNA knockout mouse strains, maintaining locus transcriptional activity.
- Phenotypic characterization of knockout strains, including peri- and postnatal viability, growth, and specific organ system analysis.
Main Results:
- Three strains (Fendrr, Peril, Mdgt) exhibited peri- and postnatal lethality, with Peril and Mdgt showing incomplete penetrance and growth defects.
- Two additional strains (linc-Brn1b, linc-Pint) displayed growth defects.
- Fendrr knockout mutants showed defects in lung, gastrointestinal tract, and heart development.
- linc-Brn1b knockout mutants exhibited abnormalities in neocortical neuron generation.
Conclusions:
- lncRNAs play critical roles in vivo.
- This study provides a valuable resource and framework for future large-scale functional investigations of lncRNAs.
Related Concept Videos
02:43Mouse Models of Cancer Study
4.7K
Mice have long served as models for studying human biology and pathology because of their phylogenetic and physiological similarity with humans. They are also easy to maintain and breed in the laboratory, and hence, many inbred strains are now available for research. Studies on mice have contributed immeasurably to our understanding of cancer biology.
The development of transgenic, knockout, and knock-in mice has led to an exponential increase in their use as model organisms in research,...
The development of transgenic, knockout, and knock-in mice has led to an exponential increase in their use as model organisms in research,...
4.7K
01:16In-vitro Mutagenesis
14.8K
To learn more about the function of a gene, researchers can observe what happens when the gene is inactivated or “knocked out,” by creating genetically engineered knockout animals. Knockout mice have been particularly useful as models for human diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and diabetes.
14.8K