Researchers at the Gulbenkian Institute of Sciences in Oerias, Portugal have successfully created a unique 6-legged mouse embryo with an extra pair of hind legs instead of external genitalia. Moisés Mallo and his team are studying the effects of a receptor protein called Tgfbr1 on embryonic development, with a goal to investigate its role in cell growth and division.
The gene produces a transforming growth factor beta type 1 receptor, which is involved in cell growth and division. Mutations in this gene have been linked to an increased risk of skin cancer and a rare syndrome called Ferguson-Smith disease that can lead to the formation of multiple skin tumors.
The team discovered that the Tgfbr1 gene influences the development of both genitalia and hind legs in quadrupeds. When the gene is inactivated, the structure that would normally become genitalia transforms into additional hind legs. This finding highlights how the activity of one gene can affect the development of other structures in the body.
Moving forward, the researchers plan to explore how Tgfbr1 and related genes may impact DNA structure in other systems, such as metastatic cancer. They also hope to investigate whether similar processes contribute to the development of unusual characteristics in reptiles. This groundbreaking research sheds light on the complex mechanisms of embryonic development and genetic regulation.
In conclusion, scientists have successfully created a 6-legged mouse embryo with an extra pair of hind legs instead of external genitalia by halting the activity of a crucial receptor protein called Tgfbr1 during mid-pregnancy mouse embryos. This research highlights how one gene can influence other structures’ development and has implications for understanding genetic regulation and DNA structure in various systems.
