While mice heterozygous for this meiosis-specific RecA homolog (<i>Dmc1</i>) mutation are viable and fertile, homozygotes are viable but sterile due to arrest of gametogenesis in the first meiotic prophase (prophase I). No RNA message from the targeted gene is observed in homozygous testis. Homozygous males have reduced testis size and no mature spermatozoa in the epididymis; spermatocytes undergo meiotic arrest from defective double strand break repair and extensive chromosome asynapsis. Homozygous females exhibit defective oogenesis due to similar aberrations occurring at the pachytene stage or earlier and thus have small, malformed ovaries with complete depletion of oocytes and follicles by adulthood. These Dmc1-mutant mice may be useful in studying gametogenesis and meiosis (including double strand breaks, chromosome asynapsis, DNA repair mechanisms, homologous recombination, and the pachytene checkpoint). 

These mice have a targeted "knockout" mutation of the <i>Dmc1</i> gene (DMC1 dosage suppressor of mck1 homolog, meiosis-specific homologous recombination (yeast)) and may be useful in studying gametogenesis and meiosis, including double strand breaks, chromosome asynapsis, DNA repair mechanisms, homologous recombination, and the pachytene checkpoint.

Typically mice are recovered in 12-16 weeks. Contact Customer Service to place an order or for more information.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.jax.org/jax-mice-and-services/customer-support" rel="noreferrer">Contact Customer Service</a> for more information.