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Strain Name:
C57BL/6J-Ctnna1em2Cgot/Mmjax
Stock Number:
076115-JAX
Citation ID:
RRID:MMRRC_076115-JAX
Other Names:
Ctnna1-PKI-4A

Strain Information

QUALITY CONTROL OF C57BL/6J-Ctnna1em2Cgot/Mmjax  |  The Jackson Laboratory
Last Updated:
Strain Data and Information Information by Submitter Assessed by MMRRC1,2
Published Provided
Allele-specific genotype3n.d.
Genetic backgroundn.d.
Viability of genotypes available for distributionn.d.
Specific Pathogen- Statusn.d.
Recoverability of cryopreserved sperm/embryos4 n.d.
Gene or allele sequence3n.d.
Gene or allele expression3n.d.
Gene or allele function3n.d.
Observable and/or measurable phenotypesn.d.
Fertility of genotypes available for distribution n.d.
Fecundity/breeding performance n.d.

1 When indicated as "assessed by MMRRC" ("YES"), please note that the information presented on this strain is to the best of our knowledge correct and up-to-date at the the MMRRC Distribution Center assigned to maintain and distribute this strain. This information is subject to change due to breeding, maintenance, and other actions. Please direct any questions on the information presented in this table to the MMRRC Distribution Center.

2 If an assessment has not been performed by the MMRRC (as indicated by "NO"), investigators may request specific testing for a fee. Requests should be submitted directly to the MMRRC Distribution Center assigned to the management, archiving, and distribution of the strain. A full listing of available testing and analytical services is available at https://www.mmrrc.org/about/services.php.

3 This information may or may not apply to each individual engineered allele (e.g., Cre, FlpO) present in the strain.

4 Recovery refers to thawing, in vitro fertilization (IVF), and/or embryo culture leading to live offspring.

Ctnna1em1Cgot
Name: catenin alpha 1; endonuclease-mediated mutation 1, Cara Gottardi
Type: Allele
Species: Mus musculus (mouse)
Chromosome: 18
Alteration at locus: CRISPR
Ctnna1em2Cgot
Name: catenin alpha 1; endonuclease-mediated mutation 1, Cara Gottardi
Type: Allele
Species: Mus musculus (mouse)
Chromosome: 18
Alteration at locus: CRISPR
Ctnna1
Name: catenin alpha 1
Synonyms: alpha(E)-catenin, alpha E catenin, Catna1, 2010010M04Rik, catenin (cadherin associated protein), alpha 1
Type: Gene
Species: Mouse
Chromosome: 18
NCBI: 12385
VEGA: 18
HGNC: HGNC:2509
Homologene: 1433
Genetic Alterations
Ctnna1em2Cgot: CRISPR/Cas9 endonuclease-mediated genome editing and guide RNA, was used to generate a targeted knock-in mutation in exon 14 of the catenin alpha 1 (Ctnna1) gene. This introduced codon mutations (S641A) in exon 14 in the Ctnna1em1Cgot allele harboring 3 of the 4 mutations (CK1 sites, S652A, S655A, T658), ultimately preventing phosphorylation at these loci.
ES Cell Line
Not Applicable
Phenotype

The Ctnna1-PKI-4A strain, which prevents phosphorylation of α-catenin at key P-linker residues, exhibits defects in epithelial junction organization and barrier function. At the cellular level, loss of phosphorylation reduces α-catenin enrichment at apical junctions, impairs recruitment of the junctional scaffold protein, Afadin, and weakens epithelial barrier integrity.

These cellular defects translate into significant developmental consequences in vivo.

Conditional phenotype: Homozygous mice are underrepresented at weaning (P21), exhibit reduced body size compared to wild-type littermates, have curly or bent tails, and fail to survive to adulthood. The most prominent phenotype is severe hydrocephalus, characterized by enlarged brain ventricles.

Most other organs appear grossly normal, suggesting tissue-specific sensitivity—particularly in the brain—to disrupted junctional mechanochemical signaling. Additionally, per the submitter, embryonic lethality cannot be excluded, as litter sizes and genotype distributions at birth were not consistently documented.

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.
  • Cell-cell adhesion and cadherin–catenin complex biology
  • Epithelial barrier function
  • Mechanotransduction and phosphorylation-dependent signaling
  • Neurodevelopment and hydrocephalus models
Submitter
Cara Gottardi, Ph.D., Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine.
Primary Reference

Quinn JM, Le PM, Weng A, Flozak AS, Folmsbee SS, Arroyo-Colon E, Ikura M, Ishiyama N, Gottardi CJ. α-catenin phosphorylation is actomyosin-sensitive and required for epithelial barrier functions through Afadin. bioRxiv [Preprint]. 2025 Aug 22:2025.08.21.671625. doi: 10.1101/2025.08.21.671625. (Medline PMID: 40894575)

Strain Development
4 codon mutations (S641A, S652A, S655A, T658A) into were introduced into Ctnna1 exon 14 using CRISPR gene editing, creating the Ctnna1-P-linker (Ctnna1-PKI-4A) mouse.

Two separate experiments were required to generate Ctnna1-PKI-4A F0 founders.
In the first experiment, CRISPR components were microinjected into the cytosol of fertilized C57BL/6J embryos along with an exogenous repair template encoding the 4 codon mutations). Editing was successful; however, no founders with all 4 mutations were generated. One F0 male harbored 3 of the 4 mutations (CK1 sites, S652A, S655A, 506 T658). This mouse was bred with C57BL/6J females to establish the line and offspring were then bred to homozygosity for the 3 Ctnna1 mutations.

Homozygous males and het- or homozygous females were used for subsequent crosses. To create the 4th mutation (CK2 site, S641A), we electroporated the CRISPR components and a new repair template (specific for the 4th mutation) into fertilized embryos from edited mice. Two founders were born and genotyped for editing events via PCR, gel electrophoresis and Sanger sequencing. Mosaic F0 mice harbored an allele with the 4th mutation.

These mice were validated for germline transmission of the entire 4 codon mutation sequence (S641A, S652A, S655A, T658A), generating two Ctnna14A/WT founder lines, 1034 and 1035. Founder lines were backcrossed to C57BL/6 mice for 10 generations, developing two congenic strains to dilute phenotypic contributions from possible off-target effects of CRISPR guides. Genotyping is routinely determined by a validated qPCR-based system (Transnetyx). Mouse tissue protein analysis, organs were homogenized in RIPA buffer with protease and phosphatase inhibitor mini tablets using a Tissue-Tearor.

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

For more information about this colony's health status contact csmmrrc@jax.org
Coat Color
Black
Eye
Black
MMRRC Breeding System
Backcross
Generation
9 generations
Overall Breeding Performance
Excellent
Viability and Fertility: Female Male Comments
Homozygotes are viable: Reduced Reduced
Homozygotes are fertile: Undetermined Undetermined
Heterozygotes are fertile: Yes Yes
Age Reproductive Decline: 7 to 9 months 7 to 9 months
Bred to Homozygosity
Yes
Average litter size
Variable
Recommended wean age
3 Weeks
Average Pups Weaned
4 to 6

Order Information

Limited quantities of breeder mice (up to 2 males and 2 females or 4 mice) per investigator per month are available from a live colony, usually available to ship in under 12 weeks. Larger quantities may be available, please contact the distributing center directly at csmmrrc@jax.org for more details.

Cryopreserved material may be available upon request, please inquire to csmmrrc@jax.org for more information.

A Commercial License Agreement from the Submitter is required for for-profit entities to use this strain. For more information, please contactLicensing Manager.

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 Submitter is required for for-profit entities to use this strain. For more information, please contact Licensing Manager

Additional charges may apply for any special requests. Shipping costs are in addition to the basic distribution/resuscitation fees. Information on shipping costs and any additional charges will be provided by the supplying MMRRC facility.

Click button to Request this one strain. (Use the MMRRC Catalog Search to request more than one strain.)
MMRRC Item # Description Distribution Fee / Unit (US $)
*Shipping & Handling not included*
Units Notes
076115-JAX-HET-F
076115-JAX-HET-M
076115-JAX-WT-F
076115-JAX-WT-M
Heterozygous / Hemizygous Female
Heterozygous / Hemizygous Male
Wild Type Female
Wild Type Male
$236.00 / $236.00
Non-Profit / For-Profit
Per Mouse The csmmrrc@jax.org may assess additional fees for any special requests (e.g., specific age or weight of mice, etc.).
Cryopreserved material may be available upon request, please inquire to csmmrrc@jax.org for more information.

Some MMRRC strains were submitted by the submitter as cryopreserved germplasm, and because these strains were not cryopreserved by the MMRRC, we have not assessed the quality, nor genotype, of this material. Our expertise in reviving mice from various qualities of frozen sperm and embryos, using methods like IVF and ICSI, gives us confidence in successful recoveries in most cases. However, due to the uncertain quality of these samples, we'll limit revival attempts to two per order. Additional attempts are available for a fee, on top of standard charges, if requested. It's important to note that some strains may lack the expected mutation, so we can't assure successful order fulfillment until we attempt to revive the strain.

1 The distribution fee covers the expense of rederiving mice from a live mouse; you will receive the resulting litter. The litter will contain at minimum one mutant carrier; the actual number of animals and the gender and genotype ratios will vary. (Typically, multiple breeder pairs can be established from the recovered litter.) Prior to shipment, the MMRRC will provide information about the animals recovered. If you anticipate or find that you need to request specific genotypes, genders or quantities of mice in excess of what is likely from a resuscitated litter, you may discuss available options and pricing with the supplying MMRRC facility.

2 An aliquot contains a sufficient number of embryos (in one or more vials or straws and based on the transfer success rate of the MMRRC facility) to transfer into one to three recipients. The MMRRC makes no guarantee concerning embryo transfer success experienced in the recipient investigator's laboratory. Neither gender nor genotype ratios are guaranteed.

3 An aliquot is one straw or vial with sufficient sperm to recover at least one litter of mice, as per provided protocols, when performed at the MMRRC facility. The MMRRC makes no guarantee concerning the success of these procedures when performed outside the MMRRC facilities.

4 The distribution fee covers the expense of resuscitating mice from the cryo-archive; you will receive the resulting litter. The litter will contain at minimum one mutant carrier; the actual number of animals and the gender and genotype ratios will vary. (Typically, multiple breeder pairs can be established from the recovered litter.) Prior to shipment, the MMRRC will provide information about the animals recovered. If you anticipate or find that you need to request specific genotypes, genders or quantities of mice in excess of what is likely from a resuscitated litter, you may discuss available options and pricing with the supplying MMRRC facility.

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.