Genentech other research news

GNE (South San Francisco) published its creation of mice lacking the gene for c-Mpl, the TPO receptor, showing that these animals make 85 percent fewer platelets and platelet precursors (megakaryocytes). All other cell types were present in normal numbers in the mice. As reported in Science, the mice had elevated levels of serum TPO, suggesting that TPO is adjusted in response to platelet numbers.

The gene-targeted mice were generated by electroporation of a targeting vector into mouse embryonic stem cells, then microinjection of the targeted cells into blastocysts. Two separate lines of mice were bred to obtain animals homozygous for the missing gene. ...