International Mammalian Genome Society

The 15th International Mouse Genome Conference (2001)

Table of Contents * Complex Genetics * Developmental Genetics * Gene Annotation * Gene Discovery * Genome Sequencing * Functional Genomics * Mutagenesis * Presentations * Verne Chapman Memorial Lecture

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POSTER 102 - IDENTIFICATION OF ENHANCERS OR SUPPRESSORS OF THE DELTA1 MUTANT PHENOTYPE BY CARRYING OUT A SENSITISED SCREEN

Dr  Veronique Blanquet
GSF National Research Center
Institute of Experimental Genetics
Ingolstaedter Landstrasse 1
Oberschleissheim 85764 Germany

Co-Author:  Hrabé de Angelis M
Institution:   Institute of Experimental Genetics, GSF Research Center

The Delta /Notch signaling is a well conserved signal transduction pathway, which is playing a central role in mediating cell-to-cell communication during embryogenesis. Delta1 (Dll1) encodes a transmembrane protein, which interacts directly with Notch, another transmembrane protein, in a ligand-receptor-like manner. In vertebrates, Delta1 is expressed during early embryonic development in a complex and dynamic pattern in the paraxial mesoderm and neuroectoderm and is essential for normal somitogenesis (Hrabe de Angelis e tal., 1997) and neuronal differentiation. During organogenesis and foetal development, Delta1 is expressed in epithelial ducts of several organs (metaphric kidney, pancreas) as well as in some sensory epithelia such as the retina or the sensory patches of the inner ear. Recent studies indicate that Delta/Notch signaling pathway belongs to a sophisticated system of interactions and suggest the existence of a complex molecular network.

To address this complexity of gene-gene interactions, we have initiated a sensitised screen for Delta1 related phenotypes. This screen combines the two approaches, ENU mutagenesis and knock-out technologies. It will lead us to the identification of mutant alleles for genes that are controlling somitogenesis.