Tg(Mt1-TGFBR2*)AM3Epb

The human sequence between nucleotides -7 to 573, encoding extracellular and transmembrane domains followed by a stop codon at the 3' end, is under the control of the mouse metallothionein 1 promoter and locus control regions. Activity of the promoter is induced with zinc. This results in the expression of a dominant-negative mutant receptor. Northern blot analysis confirmed RNA expression. Two lines were generated, AM3 and BF1. Line AM3 carries three copies per haploid genome and shows highest zinc-induced RNA expression in the pancreas, liver, colon and small intestine. Substantial levels of the dominant negative receptor is expressed in the liver and pancreas without zinc induction. Immunohistochemistry confirmed protein cell-surface expression in acinar cells in the pancreas and hepatocytes in the liver. (J:76993)