Analysis of Dip2B Expression in Adult Mouse Tissues Using the LacZ Reporter Gene

Abstract

Disconnected (disco)-interacting protein 2 homolog B (Dip2B) is a member of the Dip2 superfamily and plays an essential role in axonal outgrowth during embryogenesis. In adults, Dip2B is highly expressed in different brain regions, as shown by in situ analysis, and may have a role in axon guidance. However, the expression and biological role of Dip2B in other somatic tissues remain unknown. To better visualize Dip2B expression and to provide insight into the roles of Dip2B during postnatal development, we used a Dip2btm1a(wtsi)komp knock-in mouse model, in which a LacZ-Neo fusion protein is expressed under Dip2b promoter and allowed Dip2B expression to be analyzed by X-gal staining. qPCR analyses showed that Dip2b mRNA was expressed in a variety of somatic tissues, including lung and kidney, in addition to brain. LacZ staining indicated that Dip2B is broadly expressed in neuronal, reproductive, and vascular tissues as well as in the kidneys, heart, liver, and lungs. Moreover, neurons and epithelial cells showed rich staining. The broad and intense patterns of Dip2B expression in adult mice provide evidence of the distribution of Dip2B in multiple locations and, thereby, its implication in numerous physiological roles.

DIP2BCGG repeat expansion in siblings with neurodevelopmental disability and progressive movement disorder

“…Our data implicate a CGG repeat expansion in the DIP2B 5’-UTR as the causative mutation. In murine animal models, DIP2B has been shown to be primarily expressed in the brain, with highest expression in the cerebral cortex, frontal and parietal lobes, and cerebellum 21 . DIP2B has been shown to regulate axonal guidance during early developmental stages, to play a role in regeneration in mature neurons, and also plays a role in hippocampal synaptic transmission morphogenesis 22 .…”

Dopey-dependent regulation of extracellular vesicles maintains neuronal morphology

“…SAX-2/Fry family members have been implicated in morphogenesis of non-neuronal tissues in other organisms: Furry was first identified from its role in hair morphogenesis in Drosophila 39 , whereas FRY functions in gastrulation in Xenopus 40 and in mammary gland development in mice 41 . DIP2 family members may also function in multiple tissues, as mouse Dip2b is widely expressed including in epithelia 42 . Thus, DIP2 and FRY family members could interact in multiple cell types in metazoa.…”