Carbonic Anhydrase III Is Not Required in the Mouse for Normal Growth, Development, and Life Span

Abstract

Carbonic anhydrase III is a cytosolic protein which is particularly abundant in skeletal muscle, adipocytes, and liver. The specific activity of this isozyme is quite low, suggesting that its physiological function is not that of hydrating carbon dioxide. To understand the cellular roles of carbonic anhydrase III, we inactivated the Car3 gene. Mice lacking carbonic anhydrase III were viable and fertile and had normal life spans. Carbonic anhydrase III has also been implicated in the response to oxidative stress. We found that mice lacking the protein had the same response to a hyperoxic challenge as did their wild-type siblings. No anatomic alterations were noted in the mice lacking carbonic anhydrase III. They had normal amounts and distribution of fat, despite the fact that carbonic anhydrase III constitutes about 30% of the soluble protein in adipocytes. We conclude that carbonic anhydrase III is dispensable for mice living under standard laboratory husbandry conditions.

Molecular profiling of synovial joints: Use of microarray analysis to identify factors that direct the development of the knee and elbow

“…Our analysis of these genes revealed that they were expressed in the muscle tissue surrounding the joint. The slow muscle marker Car3 (Kim et al, 2004) and Csrp3, a marker of differentiated striated muscle (Arber et al, 1997) were found in the triceps and pronator muscles that insert into the ulna and are necessary for motion of the forelimb (Fig. 5C,D).…”

Identification of biomarkers associated with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in CuZn superoxide dismutase deficient mice

“…The significance of CAIII reduction on hepatocarcinogenesis in Sod1−/− mice is not clear. CAIII null mutant mice have been generated, and no obvious phenotype has been attributed to CAIII deficiency [38]. However, expression of Car3 in cells lacking the protein protects the cells from hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis [39].…”

Carbonic anhydrase III: A neglected isozyme is stepping into the limelight

“…Physiological role of CA III has turned out to be complicated, and interestingly, despite many studies the primary function of CA III is yet to be determined. To elucidate its function Kim et al, 52 created a mouse lacking a functional Car3 by gene deletion. The analysis of a knockout mouse strain (Car3 −/− ) revealed that mice lacking CA III develop normally, are fertile and have a normal life span.…”