Animal models for loss and gain of Hox11 function

摘要

Genetically engineered animals are described that have lost the expression of a homeobox gene and are missing an organ whose development is regulated by that homeobox gene. Such animals are models for organogenesis and can be used in methods for screening for compounds and gene therapies that restore the function of the missing organ. Other genetically engineered animals are described which express a homeobox gene in cells not normally expressing the gene and exhibit a developmental and/or pathologic condition in those cells. Such animals are models for gain of homeobox function and can be used in methods to screen for compounds and gene therapies that affect the developmental and/or pathologic condition due to the gain of homeobox gene expression.