Porcine LMNA Is a Positional Candidate Gene Associated with Growth and Fat Deposition

Deletion of the lmna gene induces growth delay and serum biochemical changes in C57BL/6 mice

The A-type lamin deficient mouse line (Lmna^−/−) has become one of the most frequently used models for providing insights into many different aspects of A-type lamin function. To elucidate the function of Lmna in the growth and metabolism of mice, tissue growth and blood biochemistry were monitored in Lmna-deficient mice, heterozygous (Lmna^+/−) and wide-type (Lmna^+/+) backcrossed to C57BL/6 background. At 4 weeks after birth, the weight of various organs of the Lmna^−/−, Lmna^+/− and Lmna^+/+ mice was measured. A panel of biochemical analyses consisting of 15 serological tests was examined. The results showed that Lmna deficient mice had significantly decreased body weight and increased the ratio of organ to body weight in most of tissues. Compared with Lmna^+/+ and Lmna^+/− mice, Lmna^−/− mice exhibited lower levels of ALP (alkaline phosphatase), Chol (cholesterol), CR (creatinine), GLU (glucose), HDL (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and higher levels of ALT (alanine aminotransferase) (p<0.05). Lmna^−/− mice displayed higher AST (aspartate aminotransferase) values and lower LDL (lowdensity lipoprotein cholesterol), CK-MB (creatine kinase-MB) levels than Lmna^+/+ mice (p<0.05). There were no significant differences among the three groups of mice with respect to BUN (blood urea nitrogen), CK (creatine kinase), Cyc C (cystatin C), TP (total protein), TG (triacylglycerols) and UA (uric acid) levels (p>0.05). These changes of serological parameters may provide an experimental basis for the elucidation of Lmna gene functions.