Perinatal lethality and defects in hindbrain development in mice homozygous for a targeted mutation of the zinc finger gene Krox20.

Authors

P J. Swiatek
T GridleyFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1993

First Page

2071

Last Page

2084

JAX Source

Genes Dev 1993 Nov;7(11):2071-84

Abstract

Krox20 is a zinc finger gene expressed in rhombomeres 3 and 5 during hindbrain development in vertebrates. Mice homozygous for a targeted mutation that deletes the majority of the Krox20 genes, including the zinc finger DNA-binding domain, died shortly after birth. The primary phenotype of the homozygous mutant animals was the loss of rhombomeres 3 and 5. This resulted in fusions of the trigeminal ganglion with the facial and vestibular ganglia, and of the superior ganglia of the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves. These fusions resulted in a disorganization of the nerve roots of these ganglia as they entered the brain stem. These data demonstrate that Krox20 plays an essential role during development of the hindbrain and associated cranial sensory ganglia in mice.

Recommended Citation

Swiatek PJ, Gridley T. Perinatal lethality and defects in hindbrain development in mice homozygous for a targeted mutation of the zinc finger gene Krox20. Genes Dev 1993 Nov;7(11):2071-84