Mandibular deficiency in knockout mice lacking bone sialoprotein expression.
Published: 2004
Language: eng
Number of pages: 73
Description: Bone sialoprotein (BSP) is a non-collagenous bone matrix protein whose high expression is associated with de novo bone formation. To address non-redundant functions of BSP in osteoblasts and bone, BSP knockout mice were prepared (Aubin et al., 1996). Craniofacial abnormalities were evident in these knockout mice. The objectives of this study were to compare the craniofacial parameters between BSP knockout mice and normal littermates by cephalometric analysis of the skulls. Twenty-seven BSP +/+ (wild type), 24 BSP+/- (heterozygotes) and 30 BSP-/- (homozygous knockout mutants) mouse skulls were radiographed. Statistical analysis revealed a very highly significant decrease in the mandibular length and height and a significant open-bite in knockout compared to wild type mice. These results provide a better understanding of BSP function in craniofacial development. These animals may also be useful as a model to study further the etiology and treatment of mandibular deficiency.
Notes: Adviser:  Jane E. Aubin.

Thesis (M.Sc.)--University of Toronto, 2004.

Electronic version licensed for access by U. of T. users.

Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 42-06, page: 2150.

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