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Strain Detail Sheet

Published: 10/12/2025
Revised: 10/12/2025

Strain Name:
B6J.129P2(D2)-Mertktm1Gkm/Mmnc
Stock Number:
075744-UNC
Citation ID:
RRID:MMRRC_075744-UNC
Other Names:
mertk

Strain Information

Gene Details

Mertktm1Gkm
Name: MER proto-oncogene tyrosine kinase; targeted mutation 1, Glenn K Matsushima
Synonyms: mertkkd, Mertk-/-V1, MERKO, Mer-, merkd
Type: Allele
Species: Mus musculus (mouse)
Chromosome: 2
Alteration at locus: Knockout
Mertk
Name: MER proto-oncogene tyrosine kinase
Synonyms: Tyro 12, Nyk, Eyk, Mer, nmf12
Type: Gene
Species: Mouse
Chromosome: 2
Alteration at locus: Knockout
NCBI: 17289
HGNC: HGNC:7027
Homologene: 4626

Additional Resources
IMPC
Google
Entrez
PubMed
IMSR
Gene Ontology
BioGPS
Gene Cloud
IGTC
Mouse Phenome DB
Mouse Mine
KOMP Phenotyping
Monarch
GeneCards
ClinGen
Genetic Alterations
A neomycin resistance cassette replaced sequences including the last exon, which encodes the carboxy terminal end of the kinase domain and the cytoplasmic tail. RT-PCR analysis demonstrated that a mutant transcript was expressed from this allele that lacked sequences encoding the cytoplasmic kinase domain.
Genotype Determination
  • Genotyping Protocol(s)
  • Center protocol and contact for technical support will be shipped with mice.
    • ES Cell Line
    E14Tg2a

    Strain Description

    Phenotype

    The mice display normal breeding patterns and become blind at approximately 4 months of age. The mice are known to have defective clearance of apoptotic cells and altered immune responses. However, other phenotypes reported earlier in mertk null mixed background mice such as, hyperimmunity, appear to have diminished.

    MeSH Terms
    • Animals
    • Crosses, Genetic
    • Drug Resistance/genetics
    • Lipopolysaccharides/toxicity
    • Macrophages/metabolism
    • Mice
    • Mice, Inbred DBA
    • Mice, Knockout
    • Neural Cell Adhesion Molecules/genetics
    • Neural Cell Adhesion Molecules/metabolism
    • Neural Cell Adhesion Molecules/physiology
    • Proto-Oncogene Proteins
    • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/genetics
    • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/metabolism
    • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/physiology
    • Sepsis/immunology
    • Sepsis/mortality
    • Sepsis/prevention & control
    • Shock, Septic/etiology
    • Shock, Septic/genetics
    • Shock, Septic/prevention & control
    • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/antagonists & inhibitors
    • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/biosynthesis
    • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism
    • c-Mer Tyrosine Kinase
    • Gene Expression
    • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
    • Leydig Cells/physiology
    • Ligands
    • Male
    • Mice, Mutant Strains
    • Oncogene Proteins/genetics
    • Phenotype
    • Protein S
    • Proteins
    • Sertoli Cells/physiology
    • Spermatogenesis/genetics
    • Spermatogenesis/physiology
    • Axl Receptor Tyrosine Kinase
    Strain GQC Summary
    Gene Specific Genotyping:

    To request gene-specific and other genotyping services for a strain, please contact the distribution MMRRC Center for more information.

    Background Genetic Quality:

    The MMRRC has developed a Genetic Quality Control pipeline using the MiniMUGA array to provide additional information to identify and validate genetic backgrounds of MMRRC strains. For more information on whether genetic background data is available, please contact MMRRC_GeneticQC@med.unc.edu. Note: that MiniMUGA genetic background data is not available on all strains, but can be ordered if desired.

    Suggested Control Mice
    Littermates of all relevant genotypes.

    Research Applications

    • Apoptosis
    • Cancer
    • Cardiovascular
    • Cell Biology
    • Dermatology
    • Diabetes
    • Immunology and Inflammation
    • Models for Human Disease
    • Neurobiology
    • Reproduction
    • Virology

    Strain Origin

    Donor
    Glenn Matsushima, Ph.D., The University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill.
    Shelton Earp, M.D., UNC Chapel Hill.
    Primary Reference

    Camenisch TD, Koller BH, Earp HS, Matsushima GK. A novel receptor tyrosine kinase, Mer, inhibits TNF-alpha production and lipopolysaccharide-induced endotoxic shock. J Immunol. 1999 Mar 15;162(6):3498-503. (Medline PMID: 10092806)

    Lu Q, Gore M, Zhang Q, Camenisch T, Boast S, Casagranda F, Lai C, Skinner MK, Klein R, Matsushima GK, Earp HS, Goff SP, Lemke G. Tyro-3 family receptors are essential regulators of mammalian spermatogenesis. Nature. 1999 Apr 22;398(6729):723-8. doi: 10.1038/19554. (Medline PMID: 10227296)

    Strain Development
    A 574 bp cDNA mertk fragment was used to screen a 129/Sv genomic library. The tyrosine kinase domain in Mertk cytoplasmic tail was replaced with neomycin resistant gene. 129P2/OlaHsd E14TG2a embryonic cell line was targeted and resulting mice were bred initially to (C57BL/6 x DBA/2 )F1. The targeting resulted in unstable mRNA and lack of the Mertk protein. Mertk null mice were subsequently backcrossed to C57BL/6J for at least 12 generations and maintained by sibling matings.


    Disclaimer: If MMRRC Strain Genetic Quality Control (GQC; based on MiniMUGA genotyping and analysis) has been completed for this strain, the information might differ from the genetic background information provided by the submitter. MiniMUGA genetic analysis is done on a strain’s tissue samples taken when archived by or ordered from the assigned MMRRC Center.

    Colony and Husbandry Information

    Special Considerations

    Females breed reliably until 7-8 months of age.

    Health Status Report

    Colony Surveillance Program and Current Health Reports

    For more information about this colony's health status contact mmrrc_health@med.unc.edu

    Appearance

    Coat Color
    Black
    Eye
    Black

    Breeding

    MMRRC Breeding System
    Sib-mating
    Generation
    Backcrossed onto C57BL/6J N=12
    Overall Breeding Performance
    Good

    Reproductive Statistics

    Viability and Fertility: Female Male Comments
    Homozygotes are viable: Yes Yes
    Homozygotes are fertile: Yes Yes
    Heterozygotes are fertile: N/A N/A
    Age Reproductive Decline: 7 to 9 months 10 to 12 months
    Average litter size
    4 to 6
    Recommended wean age
    Other
    Average Pups Weaned
    4 to 6

    Order Information

    Availability Level

    The availability level for this product has not been determined.

    A Commercial License Agreement from the Donor is required for for-profit entities to use this strain. For more information, please contact Carmen Melvin.

    Conditions of Distribution

    Distribution of this strain requires submission of the MMRRC Conditions of Use (COU). A link to the COU web form will be provided via email after an order has been placed; the form should be completed then or the email forwarded to your institutional official for completion.

    A Commercial License Agreement from the Donor is required for for-profit entities to use this strain. For more information, please contact Carmen Melvin

    Fees

    - Products for this strain are Not Yet Available for Ordering
    - If you register interest in this strain, you will be notified when it becomes available for ordering.
    To request material from the MMRRC: Please fill out our on-line request form (accessible from the catalog search results page, or click the Request this Strain button in the fees section). If you have questions or need assistance completing this form, you may call Customer Service at (800) 910-2291 (in USA or Canada) or (530) 757-5710 (international calls). Before you call, please have with you: the MMRRC item number, quantity needed, Bill-to and Ship-to contact information.