Knockout mouse models to study Wnt signal transduction

Trends Genet. 2006 Dec;22(12):678-89. doi: 10.1016/j.tig.2006.10.001. Epub 2006 Oct 11.

Abstract

Wnt signal transduction is crucial for maintaining the balance between proliferation and differentiation throughout embryogenesis and postnatal life. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the conventional knockout mouse studies of both the canonical and the noncanonical Wnt pathways during mammalian development. Many of these knockout mice display early embryonic lethality, underscoring the fundamental importance of Wnt signal transduction, but precluding functional analyses at later stages. Use of conditional or inducible mouse models will enable us to study the role of Wnt signaling during later stages of development and adult life. Furthermore, genomic-scale approaches and advanced imaging techniques could provide a means to start dissecting the mechanism behind the observed phenotypes.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alleles
  • Animals
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
  • Genome
  • Ligands
  • Lymphoid Enhancer-Binding Factor 1 / physiology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Models, Biological
  • Phenotype
  • Signal Transduction*
  • TCF Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Time Factors
  • Wnt Proteins / genetics*
  • Wnt Proteins / physiology*

Substances

  • Ligands
  • Lymphoid Enhancer-Binding Factor 1
  • TCF Transcription Factors
  • Wnt Proteins