Abstract
The mouse p locus encodes a gene that functions in normal pigmentation. We have characterized a radiation-induced mutant allele of the mouse p locus that is associated with a failure-to-thrive syndrome, in addition to diminished pigmentation. Mice homozygous for this mutant allele, p100H, show delayed growth and die within 2 wk after birth. We have discovered that the mutant mice develop progressive atrioventricular heart block and significant ultrastructural changes in both cardiac and skeletal muscle cells. These observations are common characteristics described in human myopathies. The karyotype of p100H chromosomes indicated that the mutation is associated with a chromosome 7 inversion. We demonstrate here that the p100H chromosomal inversion disrupts both the p gene and the Sox6 gene. Normal Sox6 gene expression has been examined by Northern blot analysis and was found most abundantly expressed in skeletal muscle in adult mouse tissues, suggesting an involvement of Sox6 in muscle maintenance. The p100H mutant is thus a useful animal model in the elucidation of myopathies at the molecular level.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 4180-4185 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America |
Volume | 97 |
Issue number | 8 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 11 2000 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General