Abstract: Objective A Fam172a gene knockout C57/B6J mice model was generated to explore the functions
of Fam172a gene and examine mechanisms of its growth and development in vivo. Methods Total of
six Fam172a +/- mouse were got by gene targeting. The Fam172a -/- mouse were successfully produced by
hybridization of Fam172a +/- mice and bred in a barrier environment. The mouse genotypes were identified by
PCR. The body weights of WT and Fam172a -/- mouse were measured at 20, 40 and 60 days after birth. Eight-
week-old male WT and Fam172a gene knockout mouse were randomly selected and sacrificed, and their heart,
liver, spleen, lung and renal were removed and used for Western blot to analyze the expression of Fam172a gene
at indicated tissues. Results The results of PCR and Western blot showed that Fam172a gene was totally knocked
out in Fam172a -/- mice. The body weights of WT and Fam172a -/- mouse were significantly different at 20, 40
and 60 days after birth (P ＜ 0.05). The expression of FAM172A protein in WT mice had tissue specificity.
Litter sizes of Fam172a -/- mouse were slightly lower than those of WT mouse, and had no statistical difference
(P ＞ 0.05). There was no significant difference on the appearances, behaviors and reproductive performance.
Conclusion Fam172a -/- mouse were prepared. This approach allows breeding of a sufficient number of Fam172a
gene knockout C57/B6J mouse as the animal models for studying the role of Fam172a gene. The data revealed
that Fam172a gene is critically required for body weight, growth and development of mouse.