129S1.B6-Zic2^m1Nisw/J

Stock number: 016158
Research areas: Developmental Biology Research

Description

These Zic2^A986T mice possess an ENU-induced A to T transversion at nucleotide 986 of the zinc finger protein of the cerebellum 2 (Zic2) gene. These mutant mice may be useful in studying embryonic development.

Detailed description

Mice heterozygous for the ENU-induced mutation, Zic2^A986T, are viable and fertile, although homozygotes die before birth. These mice possess an A to T transversion at nucleotide 986 of the zinc finger protein of the cerebellum 2 (Zic2) gene. These mice exhibit spina bifida and 20% exhibit exencephaly (hind-mid-forebrain). These mutant mice may be useful in studying embryonic development.

Development

Following multidose N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) treatments to induce mutations in founder C57BL/6J mice, a forward genetic screen was utilized to identify mice exhibiting defects in the closure of embryonic fissures (including the neural tube, body wall, and face). Using a candidate gene approach a mutation was identified on Chromosome 14. Sequencing identified a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), resulting in an A to T transversion at nucleotide 986 (A986T) in the zinc finger protein of the cerebellum 2 (Zic2) gene. These Zic2^A986T mice were bred to 129S1/SvImJ mice for at least 10 generations to maintain a colony. Upon arrival at The Jackson Laboratory, mice were bred to 129S1/SvImJ (Stock No. 002448) for at least one generation to establish the colony.

Allele

Symbol: Zic2^m1Nisw
Name: mutation 1, Lee Niswander
MGI accession ID: MGI:4943187
Generation method: Chemically induced (ENU)
Attributes: Hypomorph
Marker symbol: Zic2
Marker name: zinc finger protein of the cerebellum 2
Chromosome: 14
Strain of origin: C57BL/6J
Molecular note: ENU mutagenesis induced A to T transversion at position 986 (A986T) that changes glutamic acid to valine in the zinc finger domain. The protein level is not affected in this hypomorphic allele.