Gata4 (GATA binding protein 4) is expressed in mesoderm-derived tissues such as the heart, liver, gut and gonads. It is a critical transcription factor in the heart that is known to induce/regulate the hypertrophic program, in part, by receiving signals from MAPKs.
In this targeted mutation strain, serine 105 of the mouse Gata4 gene was changed to an alanine to disrupt a known MAPK phosphorylation site. Homozygotes are viable, fertile, and born at predicted Mendelian frequencies. Mice show a compromised stress response of the myocardium. Cardiac hypertrophy in response to phenylephrine agonist infusion and pressure overload are largely blunted. Homozygotes are also more susceptible to heart failure and cardiac dilation after 2 weeks of pressure overload.
