A 21.4 kb sequence fragment containing exons 4, 5, and 6 and encoding amino acids 171 through 895 was replaced by a cassette containing lacZ and neo. While the translation of a truncated amino terminal peptide was anticipated, no normal protein was detected in homozygous mutant mice using a carboxyl terminal antibody. The predicted truncated peptide putatively lacked domains necessary for interactions with transcription factors, DNA dependent protein kinases, and other protein complexes. (J:80175)