A mouse model in which the mice carry a truncated Dmp1 gene (exon 6 has been replaced with a lacZ gene).

Northern blot analysis of the mice shows the expected 5.8-kb Dmp1-lacZ fusion transcript, and loss of the wild-type 2.8-kb Dmp1 transcript (confirmed by a lack of immunostaining for the protein).

Using heterozygous animals, our researchers have demonstrated that:

• Dmp1 is specific for mineralized tissues.
• Dmp1 is also shown in pulp cells.
• Dmp1 deficient embryos and newborns display no apparent gross abnormal phenotype. Although there is a modest expansion of the hypertrophic chondrocyte zone, and a modest increase in long bone diameter.
  • This suggests that Dmp1 is not essential for early skeletal or dental development in mice.

File Number: 10UMK005 

Web site: http://www.umkc.edu/ors/tt