Connexin 43 contributes to phenotypic robustness of the mouse skull.
Dev Dyn
; 250(12): 1810-1827, 2021 12.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-34091987
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
We compared skull shape and variation among genetically modified mice that exhibit different levels of connexin43 (Cx43) channel function, to determine whether Cx43 contributes to craniofacial phenotypic robustness. Specifically, we used two heterozygous mutant mouse models (G60S/+ and I130T/+) that, when compared to their wildtype counterparts, have an ~80% and ~50% reduction in Cx43 function, respectively.RESULTS:
Both mutant strains showed significant differences in skull shape compared to wildtype littermates and while these differences were more severe in the G60S/+ mouse, shape differences were localized to similar regions of the skull in both mutants. However, increased skull shape variation was observed in G60S/+ mutants only. Additionally, covariation of skull structures was disrupted in the G60S/+ mutants only, indicating that while a 50% reduction in Cx43 function is sufficient to cause a shift in mean skull shape, the threshold for Cx43 function for disrupting craniofacial phenotypic robustness is lower.CONCLUSIONS:
Collectively, our results indicate Cx43 can contribute to phenotypic robustness of the skull through a nonlinear relationship between Cx43 gap junctional function and phenotypic outcomes.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Cráneo
/
Conexina 43
/
Dureza
Límite:
Animals
/
Pregnancy
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Dev Dyn
Asunto de la revista:
ANATOMIA
Año:
2021
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Canadá