These Pkd2cond mutant mice possess loxP sites flanking exons 11-13 of the polycystic kidney disease 2 (Pkd2) gene. Mice that are homozygous for this allele are viable, fertile, normal in size and do not display any gross physical or behavioral abnormalities. PKD2 is a calcium-permeable membrane channel expressed in fetal kidneys and in most adult tissues. Along with PKD1, PKD2 regulates cell proliferation, cell migration, and interactions with other cells, and is necessary for normal development and function of the kidneys. Mutations in PKD2 are responsible for 15% of all cases of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). When bred to mice that express tissue-specific Cre recombinase, resulting offspring will have exons 11-13 deleted in the cre-expressing tissues. This strain may be useful for studying renal development in ADPKD.
For example, when crossed to a strain expressing Cre recombinase in endothelial cells (see Stock No. 008863), this mutant mouse strain may be useful in studies of placental development.
