CFW-Em/J

Stock number: 001998
Research areas: Sensorineural Research

Description

Mice with the spontaneous dominant mutation Emory cataract (Em) develop late-onset bilateral lens opacities starting at 6-8 months of age. The phenotype resembles human age-related (senile) cataract in timing and pathology.

Detailed description

Emory cataract (Em) is an autosomal dominant mutation, which arose spontaneously in a CFW inbred strain colony. Mice with the mutation develop late-onset bilateral lens opacities starting at 6-8 months of age. Cataracts from aged mice (548 days) have large vacuoles and degenerated lens substance in the subcapsular region. Females develop cataracts more rapidly than males beginning at 6 months of age, however, after 13 months of age both sexes present with cataracts of equivalent severity (Grade 5). The phenotype resembles human age-related (senile) cataract in timing and pathology.

Development

Emory cataract (Em) is an autosomal dominant mutation, which arose spontaneously in a CFW inbred strain colony held by Dr. Kathryn Kuck at Emory University. The mutation was first observed in a single male that developed bilateral cataracts at 11 months of age. Descendants from this male were selectively bred for the cataract phenotype. Em mice were imported into The Jackson Laboratory from Tufts University in 1992. The mutation is maintained on its' original background by sibling mating.

Allele

Symbol: Em
Name: Emory cataract
MGI accession ID: MGI:1861119
Generation method: Spontaneous
Marker symbol: Em
Marker name: Emory cataract
Chromosome: UN
Strain of origin: CFW