Generation and characterization of dickkopf3 mutant mice

Ivan Del Barco Barrantes, Ana Montero-Pedrazuela, Ana Guadaño-Ferraz, Maria Jesus Obregon, Raquel Martinez De Mena, Valérie Gailus-Durner, Helmut Fuchs, Tobias J. Franz, Svetoslav Kalaydjiev, Martina Klempt, Sabine Hölter, Birgit Rathkolb, Claudia Reinhard, Gabriella Morreale De Escobar, Juan Bernal, Dirk H. Busch, Wolfgang Wurst, Eckhard Wolf, Holger Schulz, Svetlana ShtromErich Greiner, Martin Hrabé De Angelis, Heiner Westphal, Christof Niehrs

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

82 Scopus citations

Abstract

dickkopf (dkk) genes encode a small family of secreted Wnt antagonists, except for dkk3, which is divergent and whose function is poorly understood. Here, we describe the generation and characterization of dkk3 mutant mice. dkk3-deficient mice are viable and fertile. Phenotypic analysis shows no major alterations in organ morphology, physiology, and most clinical chemistry parameters. Since Bkk3 was proposed to function as thyroid hormone binding protein, we have analyzed deiodinase activities, as well as thyroid hormone levels. Mutant mice are euthyroid, and the data do not support a relationship of dkk3 with thyroid hormone metabolism. Altered phenotypes in dkk3 mutant mice were observed in the frequency of NK cells, immunoglobulin M, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels, as well as lung ventilation. Furthermore, dkk3-deficient mice display hyperactivity.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2317-2326
Number of pages10
JournalMolecular and Cellular Biology
Volume26
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2006

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