【Animal Modeling】-Hr gene knockout mouse model construction and phenotype analysis

  Objective: To establish a gene knockout mouse for detailed study of the function of the hairless gene (Hr).

  Method: Use transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN) technology to prepare Hr gene knockout mice, observe the hair growth and development of gene knockout mice, and microdissection paraffin sections of skin tissues and collect them. Analyze the results.

  Result: It was the first mouse to have a 2 base deletion in the coding region of the 86-87 Hr gene, resulting in a TGA stop codon. Positive offspring were obtained by mating with wild-type mice and mating with the same litter. The second-generation mice began to shed hair on day 14 and around day 30, and remained hairless for the rest of their lives. Histological observation of the skin revealed the formation of cysts of various sizes in the dermis. The results of the study showed that the hair growth abnormality of the Hr gene knockout mice was successfully established.

  Conclusion: It proves the close relationship between hairless gene and hair growth and development, and provides an excellent animal model for studying the exact function of Hr gene.