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December 2006 Mouse of the Month |
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Mitfmi-bw mutant mouse A model for Waardenburg syndrome type 2
BRC No. 01262_C3.Cg-Mitfmi-bw
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| Waardenburg syndrome type 2 (WS2) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by a combination of pigmentary and auditory abnormalities in human. Approximately 20% of WS2 cases are associated with mutations in the gene encoding the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (Mitf). Mitf plays a critical role in the development of melanocytes, mast cells, osteoclasts and pigmented epithelium. The Mitfmi-bw allele is one of the oldest known among white spotting mutations, and homozygous mice for the Mitfmi-bw mutation display a white coat with black eyes (figure). In this allele, a L1 retrotransposable element was inserted into intron 3. This strain is useful as an animal model for Waardenburg syndrome type 2 (WS2). |
