Researchers deactivated the Tgfbr1 gene in mouse embryos, resulting in mice born with two extra hind limbs instead of external genitals.
A typical mouse embryo has four limbs and an embryo in which a particular gene was switched off halfway through development has six limbs Researchers engineered a mouse with two additional limbs instead of genitals. But why?
The Tgfbr1 gene provides instructions for making a protein called transforming growth factor-beta receptor type 1. Transmitted by the TGF-β receptor complex, these signals trigger various responses by the cell, including the growth and division of cells. In many four-legged animals, external genitalia and hind limbs develop from the same early structures.
Mice used to obtain embryos were between 3 and 6 months old. The study revealed these embryos were obtained by cesarean section and processed for further analyses.
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