-実験動物開発室-

  Waardenburg syndrome type 2 (WS2) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by a combination of pigmentary and auditory abnormalities in human. Approximately 20% of WS2 cases are associated with mutations in the gene encoding the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (Mitf). Mitf plays a critical role in the development of melanocytes, mast cells, osteoclasts and pigmented epithelium. The Mitf^mi-bw allele is one of the oldest known among white spotting mutations, and homozygous mice for the Mitf^mi-bw mutation display a white coat with black eyes (figure). In this allele, a L1 retrotransposable element was inserted into intron 3. This strain is useful as an animal model for Waardenburg syndrome type 2 (WS2).