Generation of a Mig-6 conditional null allele

Mitogen-inducible gene 6 (Mig-6) is a stress-induced gene that serves as a negative regulator of epidermal growth factor (EGF) signaling and acts as a tumor suppressor. Ablation of Mig-6 results in a significant percentage of embryo lethality as well as abnormalities in multiple tissues. To understand the physiological roles of Mig-6, a conditional null allele, Mig-6(f/f) was generated by introducing LoxP sites that flank exons 2 and 4. The Mig-6(f/f) allele was validated by generating recombined Mig-6(-/-) mice using the Zp3-Cre system. The conditional null allele was confirmed by assaying for Mig-6 gene expression in liver, lung, uterus, and skin. The recombined Mig-6(-/-) mice developed pathological changes, such as degenerative joint diseases and skin hyperplasia similar to the previously reported Mig-6 germline null allele. In addition, these mice also had enlarged uteri with endometrial hyperplasia. In summary, this Mig-6(f/f) mouse is a useful tool for the functional study of the Mig-6 gene in a tissue-specific fashion.