Zfp335 (zinc finger protein 335; also known as NRC-interacting factor 1 (Nif1)) is a regulator of vertebrate neurogenesis. As a component of the trithorax H3K4-methylation complex that regulates REST/NRSF, it is essential for neural cell progenitor self-renewal, neurogenesis, and neuronal differentiation. A c.3332g>a mutation in the human gene is associated with severe microcephaly, neuronal degeneration, and neonatal death.
In this targeted mutation strain, the mouse Zfp335 promoter, exon 1, and exon 2 are flanked by loxP sites. Cre-mediated excision of this floxed region enables the generation of tissue-specific knockouts. Widespread loss of ZNF335 protein in mice leads to embryonic lethality as early as embryonic day 7.5 (E7.5).
When crossed with Emx1-cre mice (see Stock No. 005628), progeny lack almost all cortical structure and cortical neurons, leading to the formation of a small brain with a thin sheath of tissue and enlarged ventricles.
