The Ctcf gene encodes the 11-zinc finger protein, CCCTC-binding transcription factor which is involved in chromatin organization, gene insulation and transcriptional regulation, and is critical for early embryogenesis. These mice carry a knock out mutation of the Ctcf gene. Mice that are heterozygous for the targeted mutation on 129 background are viable and fertile, but are poor breeders. Homozygous null mice have an embryonic lethal phenotype, failing to develop past E4.5-5.5. No gene product (mRNA) is detected by RT-PCR analysis of homozygous E4.5 embryos. Heterozygotes on the C57BL/6 X 129S4/SvJaeSor F1 background exhibit DNA methylation changes genome wide and have a higher frequency of spontaneous and carcinogen-induced neoplasms in a broad range of tissues when compared to wildtype controls. By 100 weeks of age 80% of the heterozygous C57BL/6 X 129S4/SvJaeSor F1 mice spontaneously succumb to cancer compared to only 40% of wildtype controls. The Donating Investigator reports that the strain cannot be maintained on the C57BL/6 or BALB/c background, and that the strain is a poor breeder on the 129 background.

This Ctcf knockout strain is useful in studies of epigenetic regulation, tumorigenesis, and apoptosis in early embryogenesis.

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.