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Embryonic development of the mouse mutant pupoid foetus (pf/pf)
Anatomy and Embryology
|January 1, 1985
Summary
The pupoid foetus (pf) mutation in mice causes lethal developmental defects in homozygous embryos, characterized by epidermal abnormalities and impaired keratinization. This research investigates the genetic and cellular basis of these embryonic defects.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
- Morphology
Background:
- The pupoid foetus (pf) mutation is a recessive lethal mutation in mice.
- Homozygous (pf/pf) embryos die shortly after birth with distinct external malformations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the morphological and cellular basis of the pupoid foetus mutation.
- To understand the role of the pf gene in embryonic development, particularly in epidermal differentiation.
Main Methods:
- Examination of pf/pf mouse embryos from 11.3 days gestation to full term.
- Utilized light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy.
- Comparative analysis with normal embryos and other similar mutants.
Main Results:
- Skeletal structure and internal organs are normal in pf/pf embryos.
- Abnormalities are observed in the epidermis, dermis, and peripheral sensory nerves.
- Epidermis shows hypertrophy and failure to differentiate, suggesting the pf gene impacts keratinization.
Conclusions:
- The pf gene is likely activated in the epidermis during keratinization, disrupting differentiation and cell surface properties.
- Abnormalities in other tissues appear to be secondary to epidermal defects.
- This mutant provides insights into gene-environment interactions during embryonic development.