Overexpression of TGF-beta 1 in the central nervous system of transgenic mice results in hydrocephalus

J Neuropathol Exp Neurol. 1995 May;54(3):339-49. doi: 10.1097/00005072-199505000-00007.

Abstract

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) has been proposed to play a number of roles in central nervous system (CNS) development and response to injury. To test these proposals, transgenic mice were generated which overproduce TGF-beta 1 in the CNS. Surprisingly, these mice developed severe hydrocephalus and died between birth and 3 weeks of age. Ovary transplantation from an affected female founder has permitted perpetuation of one of the lines as a hydrocephalus model whose genetic defect is known. These results also demonstrate that the developing CNS is highly sensitive to TGF-beta, and suggest a role for aberrant expression of TGF-beta in the pathogenesis of developmental disease of the CNS.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein / metabolism
  • Hydrocephalus / genetics
  • Hydrocephalus / metabolism*
  • Hydrocephalus / pathology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Phenotype
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / genetics
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / metabolism*

Substances

  • Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta