In this strain, maintained on a mixed C57BL/6 x 129S6 background, a neomycin (neo) resistance cassette replaces exons 5-6 of the nuclear receptor subfamily 1, group H, member 2 (Nr1h2) gene, abolishing gene function. Homozygous are viable, fertile, and normal in size. Also known as liver X receptor beta (Lxrβ), Nr1h2 binds to retinoid X receptors (RXRα, RXRβ, RXRγ; NR2B1, NR2B2, and NR2B3) and is activated by oxysterols to regulate the expression of genes involved in cholesterol metabolism. Homozygous Lxrβ-/- mice lose their ability to appropriately regulate cholesterol, lipid, and carbohydrate metabolism, and have defects in immune function. These defects are more severe when combined with the knockout of Lxrα (available as Stock No. 013763). These mice may be useful for studying lipid and cholesterol metabolism, and the regulation of the immune response.
