CA125/MUC16 Is Dispensable for Mouse Development and Reproduction
2009

CA125/MUC16 Is Not Needed for Mouse Development and Reproduction

Sample size: 372 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Cheon Dong-Joo, Wang Ying, Deng Jian Min, Lu Zhen, Xiao Lianchun, Chen Chun-Ming, Bast Robert C. Jr., Behringer Richard R.

Primary Institution: The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Hypothesis

Is the CA125/MUC16 protein necessary for normal mouse development and reproduction?

Conclusion

Muc16 knockout mice are viable, fertile, and develop normally, indicating that CA125/MUC16 is not required for normal development or reproduction.

Supporting Evidence

  • Muc16 homozygous mutant mice are viable and fertile.
  • Histological analysis shows that Muc16 homozygous mutant tissues are normal.
  • By the age of 1 year, Muc16 homozygous mutant mice appear normal.

Takeaway

Scientists created special mice without a gene called Muc16 to see if it was important for growing up and having babies. They found out that these mice were just fine!

Methodology

The Muc16 gene was disrupted in mouse embryonic stem cells, and the resulting knockout mice were analyzed for development and reproduction.

Limitations

The study primarily focuses on the Muc16 gene and does not explore potential compensatory mechanisms from other mucin genes.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p=0.01

Statistical Significance

p<0.0001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0004675

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