[K6a 5']-lacZ Transgene Embryo

This picture shows the hand of an embryonic day 16 mouse embryo whose genome harbors a reporter transgene that consists of 5.2 kb from the 5'upstream region of the human K6a gene fused to the bacterial LacZ sequence. β-galactosidase activity reflecting transgene expression is detected at the initiation of temporary epithelial fusions between the digits. Such temporary epithelial fusions feature several elements in common with the re-epithelialization response that ensues acute injury to adult skin. This research was conducted by Stacy Mazzalupo, a former graduate student in the Coulombe lab. See Mazzalupo and Coulombe, Mech dev. 2000.