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 urinary bladder, adrenal gland and uterus, moderate levels in whole brain, cortex, subcortical region, cerebellum, brainstem, spinal cord, eye, thymus, lymph nodes, skin, gallbladder, pituitary gland, salivary gland, tongue, stomach, epididymis, coagulating gland, prostate gland, ovary and white fat and low levels in olfactory bulb, Harderian glands, lung, liver, kidney, spleen, skeletal muscle, small intestine, large intestine, cecum, testis and seminal vesicle. Beta-galactosidase expression from this allele is detectable in brain, spinal cord, eyes, kidney, skin, prostate gland, uterus and cervix. Most striking lacZ expression was detected in the central nervous system and cervical epithelium. In the brain very strong staining was observed in different structures, including brainstem, thalamus and ventricles. Very strong, scattered staining was also detected throughout the spinal cord. Staining was observed in different cell and tissue types, including neurons, epithelium, smooth muscle and blood vessels.
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