title: Generation of Nkx2.2:lacZ mice using recombination-mediated cassette exchange technology.
abstract: Nkx2.2 encodes a homeodomain transcription factor required for the correct specification and/or differentiation of cells in the pancreas, intestine, and central nervous system (CNS). To follow the fate of cells deleted for Nkx2.2 within these tissues, we generated Nkx2.2:lacZ knockin mice using a recombination-mediated cassette exchange (RMCE) approach. Expression analysis of lacZ and/or β-galactosidase in Nkx2.2(lacZ/+) heterozygote embryos and adults demonstrates that lacZ faithfully recapitulates endogenous Nkx2.2 expression. Furthermore, the Nkx2.2(lacZ/lacZ) homozygous embryos display phenotypes indistinguishable from the previously characterized Nkx2.2(-/-) strain. LacZ expression analyses in the Nkx2.2(lacZ/lacZ) homozygous embryos indicate that Nkx2.2-expressing progenitor cells within the pancreas are generated in their normal numbers and are not mislocalized within the pancreatic ductal epithelium or developing islets. In the CNS of Nkx2.2(lacZ/lacZ) embryos, LacZ-expressing cells within the ventral P3 progenitor domain display different migration properties depending on the developmental stage and their respective differentiation potential.
authors.affiliation: Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Luis
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Arnes
authors.forename: Kevin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Leclerc
authors.forename: Jessica M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Friel
authors.forename: Susan B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Hipkens
authors.forename: Mark A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Magnuson
authors.forename: Lori
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Sussel
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D023061:Gene Order; D018390:Gene Targeting / Q000379:methods*; D005838:Genotype; D000090322:Homeobox Protein Nkx-2.2; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D059765:Homologous Recombination; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D058953:Neural Stem Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D010179:Pancreas / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism; D010641:Phenotype; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D029961:Zebrafish Proteins; D001616:beta-Galactosidase / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000090322:Homeobox Protein Nkx-2.2; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins; C000715627:Nkx2-2 protein, mouse; D014157:Transcription Factors; D029961:Zebrafish Proteins; C000715630:nkx2.2b protein, zebrafish; D001616:beta-Galactosidase