Mammalian Developmental Genetics And Animal Models Of Hu

我们研究哺乳动物发育的分子遗传学。我们的兴趣集中在由LHX基因家族的个体成员编码的LIM同源结构域（LIM-HD）转录因子所施加的发育控制上。在胚胎中，以及在成人中，Lhx基因介导从干细胞阶段过渡到终末分化之前的前体阶段。在我们早期的实验中，我们确定了一些Lhx基因的功能，通过敲除小鼠的功能丧失分析，我们描述了强制性的辅因子，分别由Ldb和Ssdp基因编码，介导Lhx基因的功能。在这里描述的工作中，我们采用了Cre介导的条件突变方案，最初是在我们的实验室中开发的，以询问关于LIM-HD/辅因子复合物及其下游Dkk靶点的作用的更精细的问题，因为在发育中的小鼠胚胎中建立了模式形式和器官。

We study the molecular genetics of mammalian development. Our interest is focused on developmental controls exerted by LIM-homeodomain (LIM-HD) transcription factors that are encoded by individual members of the Lhx gene family. In the embryo, and also in the adult, Lhx Genes mediate the transit from the stem cell stage to a precursor stage that precedes terminal differentiation. In our earlier experiments, we determined the functions of a number of Lhx genes through loss-of-function analysis of knockout mice, and we described obligatory cofactors, encoded by Ldb and Ssdp genes, respectively, that mediate Lhx gene function. In the work described here, we have adopted regimens of Cre-mediated conditional mutation, originally developed in our laboratory, to ask more fine-tuned questions regarding the action of LIM-HD/cofactor complexes and their downstream Dkk targets as patterns form and organs are established in the developing mouse embryo.