This locus, which is also present in humans, contains a cluster of novel genes with a multitude of activity patterns. Elucidating the biological function of these genes and identification of their genomic control elements will not only reveal how genomic information is utilized but help to understand the role of this genomic area for human disorders and birth defects. Dr. Salbaum is the director of the Mouse Genome Engineering Core at UNMC, a core service facility for the production of transgenic and gene knockout mice. The work in my laboratory is focused on elucidating the biological function and regulation of a cluster of novel mouse genes in a locus on chromosome 9. Two of these genes were recently identified in my laboratory and encode cell surface molecules of the immunoglobulin with similarity to cell and axon guidance receptors such as DCC or Neogenin.
Gene arrangement is colinear between human and mouse.
Using a novel reporter gene technology, we have begun to identify the genetic control elements for all genes in this locus. Elucidation of regulatory interactions between genes in close vicinity is an important step towards understanding the flow of information embedded in the genome. In vitro assays demonstrate that Punc can mediate a homotypic adhesion among cells. Preliminary evidence from mice with a targeted mutation at the Punc gene locus indicates that Punc is an essential gene required for proper development of the embryo. Another strong expression domain of the Nope gene is the retina.