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Published on: July 24, 2013
Targeted disruption of the mouse phospholipase C beta3 gene results in early embryonic lethality
S Wang1, S Gebre-Medhin, C Betsholtz
1Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.
Abstract:
In order to investigate the biological function of phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PLC) we generated mutant mice by gene targeting. Homozygous inactivation of PLCbeta3 is lethal at embryonic day 2.5. These mutants show poor embryonic organization as well as reduced numbers of cells. Identical phenotypes were recorded in homozygous mutants generated from two independently targeted embryonic stem cell clones. Heterozygous mutant mice, however, are viable and fertile for at least two generations. We also showed that mouse PLCbeta3 is expressed in unfertilized eggs, 3-cell and egg cylinder stages of embryos. In conclusion, these results indicate that PLCbeta3 expression is essential for early mouse embryonic development.
Insights
Phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PLC) beta3 gene inactivation is lethal in early mouse embryos. PLCbeta3 is essential for proper embryonic organization and cell proliferation during early development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PLC) enzymes play crucial roles in cellular signaling pathways.
- The specific function of PLCbeta3 during early embryonic development remains largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the biological function of PLCbeta3 in mouse embryonic development.
- To determine the consequences of PLCbeta3 gene inactivation on early embryogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Gene targeting was employed to generate PLCbeta3 knockout mice.
- Phenotypic analysis of homozygous and heterozygous mutant embryos was performed.
Main Results:
- Homozygous PLCbeta3 inactivation resulted in embryonic lethality at embryonic day 2.5.
- Mutant embryos exhibited poor organization and reduced cell numbers.
- PLCbeta3 expression was detected in early embryonic stages, including unfertilized eggs and the egg cylinder stage.
Conclusions:
- PLCbeta3 is indispensable for successful early mouse embryonic development.
- The absence of PLCbeta3 disrupts critical processes required for embryonic viability and organization.
