Transgenic rats overexpressing the human MrgX3 gene show cataracts and an abnormal skin phenotype.
The human MrgX3 gene, belonging to the mrgs/SNSRs (mas related genes/sensory neuron specific receptors) family, was overexpressed in transgenic rats using the actin promoter. Two animal lines showed cataracts with liquification/degeneration and swelling of the lens fiber cells. The transient epidermal desquamation was observed in line with higher gene expression. Histopathology of the transgenic rats showed acanthosis and focal parakeratosis. In the epidermis, there was an increase in cellular keratin 14, keratin 10, and loricrin, as well as PGP 9.5 in innervating nerve fibers. These phenotypes accompanied an increase in the number of proliferating cells. These results suggest that overexpression of the human MrgX3 gene causes a disturbance of the normal cell-differentiation process.
Kaisho
Yoshihiko
Y
Pharmacology Research Laboratories I, Pharmaceutical Research Division, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Osaka, Japan. Kaisho_Yoshihiko@takeda.co.jp
Watanabe
Takuya
T
Nakata
Mitsugu
M
Yano
Takashi
T
Yasuhara
Yoshitaka
Y
Shimakawa
Kozo
K
Mori
Ikuo
I
Sakura
Yasufumi
Y
Terao
Yasuko
Y
Matsui
Hideki
H
Taketomi
Shigehisa
S
D000818:Animals; D030801:Animals, Genetically Modified; D002386:Cataract / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D010641:Phenotype; D051381:Rats; D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D012868:Skin Abnormalities / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology
C501064:MRGPRX3 protein, human; D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled