International Mammalian Genome Society

17th International Mouse Genome Conference

9-12 November 2003, Braunschweig, Germany

Plenary Presentations * Oral Presentations *
Poster Presentations: Behavioural Genetics and Genomics * Development and Stem Cells * Functional Genome Analysis * Mouse Models of Human Disease * Mouse System Biology Bioinformatics * Multigenic and Multifactorial Trait Analysis * Nutrition and Metabolic Disease * Phenotyping Methods Imaging * The Genetics and Genomics of Infectious Disease *
Verne Chapman Memorial Lecture * Table of Contents * Sponsor/Exhibitor List * Awards * Photographs

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POSTER 65 - MUTATION OF A NOVEL GENE IN THE MOUSE RESULTS IN REDUCTION OF BODY WEIGHT AND FAT TISSUE

Vauti F
Department of Cell- & Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Technical University of Braunschweig, Spielmannstrasse 7, D-38106 Braunschweig

Co-Authors: 1) Meyer N, 2) Ruiz P, 1) Suresh Kumar R, 1) Arnold HH
Institutions: 1) Department of Cell- & Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Technical University of Braunschweig, Spielmannstrasse 7, D-38106 Braunschweig 2) Max-Planck-Institute for Molecular Genetics, Fabeckstraβe 60-62, D-14195 Berlin

A gene trap mouse line has revealed a novel gene with high homology to an uncharacterized human gene. The trapped gene maps to mouse chromosome 9 and encodes a putative protein of 508 amino acids with homology to the Yjef-related N-terminal domain of an E. coli. protein. The novel mouse gene belongs to an uncharacterized gene family with putative kinase function. We examined the mRNA and the lacZ expression pattern of the trapped fusion protein in embryos and adult organs. The gene is widely expressed in the nervous system, particularly in pyramidal neurons of the brain, spinal cord and sympathetic ganglia. It is also expressed in salivary glands, thymus, spleen, and testis. Mice, homozygous for the gene trap mutation are phenotypically affected. Adult homozygous mutant mice show a 25% weight reduction in comparison to wildtype. The conspicuously reduced body size is accompanied by diminished body fat. Mutants are also affected in motor behavior and posture. Current analysis of this mutant will reveal further insights into the function of this novel gene.