Phenotypic characterization of epiphycan-deficient and epiphycan/biglycan double-deficient mice.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To characterize the in vivo role epiphycan (Epn) has in cartilage development and/or maintenance.

Methods

Epn-deficient mice were generated by disrupting the Epn gene in mouse embryonic stem cells. Epn/biglycan (Bgn) double-deficient mice were produced by crossing Epn-deficient mice with Bgn-deficient mice. Whole knee joint histological sections were stained using van Gieson or Fast green/Safranin-O to analyze collagen or proteoglycan content, respectively. Microarray analysis was performed to detect gene expression changes within knee joints.

Results

Epn-deficient and Epn/Bgn double-deficient mice appeared normal at birth. No significant difference in body weight or femur length was detected in any animal at 1 month of age. However, 9-month Epn/Bgn double-d

SUBMITTER: Nuka S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3013283 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature