Effects of Dlk1 Gene Dosage on Development and Survival
Author Information
Author(s): Teixeira da Rocha Simao, Charalambous Marika, Lin Shau-Ping, Gutteridge Isabel, Ito Yoko, Gray Dionne, Dean Wendy, Ferguson-Smith Anne C.
Primary Institution: Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge
Hypothesis
The study investigates whether genomic imprinting of the Dlk1 gene affects its dosage and subsequent impact on embryonic development and survival.
Conclusion
Increased dosage of the Dlk1 gene enhances embryonic growth but leads to significant postnatal lethality.
Supporting Evidence
- Transgenic mice with double and triple doses of Dlk1 showed significant growth enhancement.
- Triple dosage of Dlk1 resulted in lethality associated with major organ abnormalities.
- Double dosage led to increased size at birth but poor survival rates in early life.
Takeaway
This study shows that having too much of a certain gene can help embryos grow bigger but can also make them die shortly after they are born.
Methodology
The researchers created transgenic mice with varying doses of the Dlk1 gene and analyzed their growth and survival rates.
Limitations
The study primarily focuses on the effects of Dlk1 dosage without exploring other potential genetic interactions.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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