Research Update:
As mentioned in the previous blog, we are in the process of generating
different transgenic mice that will be used to better define the functional
role of cleaved soluble intracellular fragment (sICD) of FGFR3. Specifically,
we are generating three types of transgenic mice: the wild-type FGFR3, the
cleavage resistant FGFR3, and the achondroplasia-FGFR3. The wild type FGFR3 is the
normal FGFR3 capable of performing all the normal functions. The
cleavage-resistant FGFR3 has a mutation in its molecular structure that
disables cleavage, and therefore will not be able to generate the sICD fragment
unlike the wild-type FGFR3. The achondroplasia-FGFR3 mice contain the FGFR3
with the same mutation found in Achondroplasia condition. Additionally, we will
also have mice that express only the sICD fragment, and will be used for future
experiments. The process of generating and establishing these transgenic mice involves
several steps as discussed in the previous blog. We are currently validating
and preparing assays to genotype (the process of determining/identifying the
specific genetic type of transgenic mice) mice that will be generated. Once
established, these transgenic mice will be used in different experiments that
will reveal functional roles for sICD in growth plate development.
