| First Author | Michell AC | Year | 2010 |
| Journal | Dev Dyn | Volume | 239 |
| Issue | 7 | Pages | 1988-94 |
| PubMed ID | 20549734 | Mgi Jnum | J:161209 |
| Mgi Id | MGI:4457799 | Doi | 10.1002/dvdy.22334 |
| Citation | Michell AC, et al. (2010) A novel role for transcription factor Lmo4 in thymus development through genetic interaction with Cited2. Dev Dyn 239(7):1988-94 |
| abstractText | Deletion of the transcriptional modulator Cited2 in the mouse results in embryonic lethality, cardiovascular malformations, adrenal agenesis, cranial ganglia fusion, exencephaly, and left-right patterning defects, all seen with a varying degree of penetrance. The phenotypic heterogeneity, observed on different genetic backgrounds, indicates the existence of both genetic and environmental modifiers. Mice lacking the LIM domain-containing protein Lmo4 share specific phenotypes with Cited2 null embryos, such as embryonic lethality, cranial ganglia fusion, and exencephaly. These shared phenotypes suggested that Lmo4 may be a potential genetic modifier of the Cited2 phenotype. Examination of Lmo4-deficient embryos revealed partially penetrant cardiovascular malformations and hypoplastic thymus. Examination of Lmo4;Cited2 compound mutants indicated that there is a genetic interaction between Cited2 and Lmo4 in control of thymus development. Our data suggest that this may occur, in part, through control of expression of a common target gene, Tbx1, which is necessary for normal thymus development. |
