A bacterial lacZ gene was inserted into the gene such that the endogenous gene promoter drives expression of beta-galactosidase. RT-PCR analysis detects a high level of gene transcript in the subcortical region of the brain, moderate levels in whole brain, cortex, brainstem, olfactory bulb, spinal cord, lung, spleen, pituitary gland, adrenal gland and white fat and low levels in eye, Harderian glands, heart, liver, kidney, thymus, lymph nodes, skin, gallbladder, urinary bladder, stomach, colon, testis, epididymis, seminal vesicle, coagulating gland, prostate gland, ovary and uterus. Beta-galactosidase expression from this allele is detectable in brain, eye, spleen, heart, lung and liver. Most striking staining was observed in spleen with very strong lacZ expression detected in the capsule and trabeculae. Strong X-Gal staining was observed on coronals sections of the brain in the hypothalamus, amygdala and preoptic area. Weak expression was detected in a few cells of the brainstem. Expression was also detected in a small region of thalamus in the wholemount brain. Strong staining was observed in a few cells of the heart and bronchioles of the lung as well as in some blood vessels of the lung and liver. Weak expression was detected in the eye in a few cells of the ciliary body.
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