A unique expression pattern of Tbx10 in the hindbrain as revealed by Tbx10LacZ allele

To study the expression/function of Tbx10, a T-box gene, Tbx10LacZ/+ mice were established by replacing the T-box coding region with a LacZ gene. X-gal staining showed that LacZ+ cells were localized to two-cell populations in rhombomere 4 and rhombomere 6. No significant differences in the locations of LacZ+ cells were found between Tbx10LacZ/+ and Tbx10LacZ/LacZ mice, and the Tbx10LacZ/LacZ mice were viable and fertile. We found that the LacZ+ cells are present in both embryonic and adult mice. Histological studies suggest that the rhombomere 4-derived LacZ+ cells are a subpopulation of the ventral interneurons in the pons. genesis, 48:295–302, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.