Craniofacial defects in AP-2 null mutant mice

AP-2 is a recent significant addition to the list of transcription factors that have been demonstrated by targeted gene disruption to be essential for normal development. Two recent reports of AP-2 null mutant mice^(1,2) indicate that AP-2 holds a key position in the network of genes and proteins controlling developmental pattern and morphogenesis, and that it is particularly important for development of the cranial region and for midline fusions.