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Characterization of a novel Hoxa5eGFP mouse line
Mu-Hang Li1,2, Julia M Kuetemeyer2, Alisha R Yallowitz3
1Genetics Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
Summary
Researchers developed a Hoxa5eGFP reporter mouse to visualize Hoxa5 gene expression in real-time. This tool aids in studying Hoxa5
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Hox genes are crucial transcription factors for establishing the body plan.
- Hoxa5 regulates the patterning and morphology of the axial skeleton and lung development.
- Dysregulation of Hoxa5 impacts organogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To generate a Hoxa5eGFP reporter mouse line for real-time Hoxa5 expression visualization.
- To characterize Hoxa5 expression patterns during embryonic development and in adult tissues.
- To provide a tool for functional studies of Hoxa5.
Main Methods:
- CRISPR technology was used to create the Hoxa5eGFP reporter mouse.
- Expression patterns of Hoxa5eGFP were analyzed in various embryonic and adult tissues.
- Correlation between Hoxa5 expression and organ morphology was investigated in mutants.
Main Results:
- The Hoxa5eGFP reporter accurately recapitulated known embryonic Hoxa5 expression patterns.
- Hoxa5eGFP was observed in the developing neural tube, somites, lung, diaphragm, and gut.
- Sustained Hoxa5eGFP expression was detected in lung fibroblasts through postnatal and adult stages, correlating with corpus reduction in mutants.
Conclusions:
- Hoxa5 is expressed in diverse cell types in the postnatal and adult mouse lung, including fibroblasts and vascular endothelial cells.
- The Hoxa5eGFP reporter mouse line is a valuable tool for investigating Hoxa5 functions.
- This tool will advance research in Hoxa5's role in development, homeostasis, and disease.
