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Generation and characterization of Sca2 (ataxin-2) knockout mice.

Abstract
Ataxin-2, the gene product of the Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2 (SCA2) gene, is a protein of unknown function with abundant expression in embryonic and adult tissues. Its interaction with A2BP1/Fox-1, a protein with an RNA recognition motif, suggests involvement of ataxin-2 in mRNA translation or transport. To study the effects of in vivo ataxin-2 function, we generated an ataxin-2 deficient mouse strain. Ataxin-2 deficient mice were viable. Genotypic analysis of litters from mating of heterozygous mice showed segregation distortion with a significant reduction in the birth of Sca-/- females. Detailed macroscopic and microscopic analysis of surviving nullizygous Sca2 knockout mice showed no major histological abnormalities. On a fat-enriched diet, ataxin-2 deficient animals had increased weight gain. Our results demonstrate that ataxin-2, although widely expressed, is not essential in development or during adult survival in the mouse, but leads to adult-onset obesity.
AuthorsTim-Rasmus Kiehl, Alex Nechiporuk, Karla P Figueroa, Mark T Keating, Duong P Huynh, Stefan-M Pulst
JournalBiochemical and biophysical research communications (Biochem Biophys Res Commun) Vol. 339 Issue 1 Pg. 17-24 (Jan 06 2006) ISSN: 0006-291X [Print] United States
PMID16293225 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
Chemical References
  • Ataxins
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
Topics
  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Ataxins
  • Female
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Motor Activity
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins (genetics, physiology)
  • Obesity (genetics, physiopathology)
  • Organ Specificity

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