Loss of Daxx, a promiscuously interacting protein, results in extensive apoptosis in early mouse development

• DOI: 10.1101/gad.13.15.1918
• Publication Date: 2008-02-20T17:15:26Z
• Authors: J. S. Michaelson; D. Bader; F. Kuo; C. Kozak; P. Leder
• Keywords: Death-associated protein 6

The mammalian Daxx gene has been identified in a diverse set of yeast interaction trap experiments. Although facilitating role for Fas-induced apoptosis suggested, Daxx's physiologic function remains unknown. To elucidate the vivo Daxx, we have generated Daxx-deficient mice. Surprisingly, rather than hyperproliferative disorder expected from loss pro-apoptotic gene, mutation results extensive and embryonic lethality. These findings argue against promoting cell death suggest that either directly or indirectly suppresses early embryo.