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Thromb Haemost 2001; 85(03): 529-532
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1615616
Review Article
Schattauer GmbH

Targeted Disruption of the Mouse Gz-alpha Gene: A Role for Gz in Platelet Function?

Kim L. Kelleher
1   Division of Neuroscience
,
Klaus I. Matthaei
2   Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Australia
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received 25 April 2000

Accepted after resubmission 28 September 2000

Publication Date:
08 December 2017 (online)

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Summary

Gz is one of nine G proteins identified in platelets and its role in these cells is unknown. Our laboratory has generated a mouse deficient in the Gz-alpha gene in the hope of determining its in vivo function. Bleeding times from the tail tip of Gzα deficient mice was significantly longer than wild type mice. Platelet aggregation and ATP secretion did not differ between wild type and Gzα deficient mice. When mice were presented with a thromboembolism challenge no differences were observed in the survival or mortality of wild type or Gzα deficient mice, however a strain difference was observed. Ignoring the genetic background of a mutant mouse might lead to a misinterpretation of results and thus it is absolutely critical to take the genetic background into account when assessing any aspect of a mutant mouse.

Keywords

G proteins - genetically mutant mice - ATP secretion - platelet aggregation - thromboembolism
 

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