Thromb Haemost 2001; 85(03): 529-532
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1615616
Review Article
Schattauer GmbH

Targeted Disruption of the Mouse Gz-alpha Gene: A Role for Gz in Platelet Function?

Kim L. Kelleher
1   Division of Neuroscience
,
Klaus I. Matthaei
2   Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Australia
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received 25 April 2000

Accepted after resubmission 28 September 2000

Publication Date:
08 December 2017 (online)

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Summary

Gz is one of nine G proteins identified in platelets and its role in these cells is unknown. Our laboratory has generated a mouse deficient in the Gz-alpha gene in the hope of determining its in vivo function. Bleeding times from the tail tip of G deficient mice was significantly longer than wild type mice. Platelet aggregation and ATP secretion did not differ between wild type and G deficient mice. When mice were presented with a thromboembolism challenge no differences were observed in the survival or mortality of wild type or G deficient mice, however a strain difference was observed. Ignoring the genetic background of a mutant mouse might lead to a misinterpretation of results and thus it is absolutely critical to take the genetic background into account when assessing any aspect of a mutant mouse.