B6.129S4-Ttpa^tm1Far/J

Stock number: 003823
Product name: Ttpa-
Research areas: Cardiovascular Research, Developmental Biology Research, Metabolism Research, Neurobiology Research, Reproductive Biology Research, Research Tools, Sensorineural Research

Description

These Ttpa knock-out mice exhibit reduction in alpha-tocopherol rendering female mice infertile.

Detailed description

Mice that are homozygous null for the Ttpa gene are viable, normal in size and do not display any gross physical abnormalities. The Ttpa protein product is required for the maintenance of proper alpha-tocopherol levels, the major form of vitamin E in plasma and tissues. The absence of Ttpa protein product in homozygous-null animals results in a corresponding 95% reduction in alpha-tocopherol. Low levels of alpha-tocopherol render female mice infertile, a condition that can be addressed with vitamin E supplements. Male fertility is unimpaired. These mice provide a viable model for studying vitamin E deficiency.

Development

A targeting vector containing thymidine kinase, lacZ and neomycin resistance genes was used to disrupt the Ttpa exons 1 and 2. The construct was transfected into 129S4/SvJae-derived RF8 embryonic stem (ES) cells. Correctly targeted ES cells were injected into C57BL/6J blastocysts. The resulting chimeric animals were backcrossed to C57BL/6J mice.

Allele

Symbol: Ttpa^tm1Far
Name: targeted mutation 1, Bob Farese
MGI accession ID: MGI:1932559
Generation method: Targeted
Attributes: Reporter; Null/Knockout
Marker symbol: Ttpa
Marker name: tocopherol (alpha) transfer protein
Chromosome: 4
Strain of origin: 129S4/SvJae
Expressed genes: lacZ,beta-galactosidase,E. coli
Molecular note: A lacZ-neomycin resistance cassette replaced part of the 5' untranslated region and exon 1 including the translational start codon. Immunoblot analysis of liver did not detect wild-type protein in homozygous mutant mice.