Strip1-flox Mouse

Strip1, or striatin-interacting protein 1, is a core component of the striatin-interacting phosphatases and kinases (STRIPAK) complex. This complex integrates diverse cellular signals in the Hippo pathway to regulate cell proliferation and survival [6]. Strip1 has shown to be important in embryonic morphogenesis, and genetic models like zebrafish, C. elegans, and mice have been used to study its functions [1,3,5].

In zebrafish, loss of Strip1 causes defects in inner retinal circuit formation. RGCs undergo apoptosis, and the inner plexiform layer becomes disorganized, suggesting Strip1 promotes RGC survival and proper neuron positioning in the inner retina [1].

In C. elegans, FARL-11 (STRIP1/2) is required for sarcomere and sarcoplasmic reticulum organization. Missense mutations in farl-11 lead to sarcomere disorganization and SR disruption [3,4].

In mice, Strip1-null mutants arrest development at mid-gestation with mesoderm migration defects, abnormal focal adhesions, and actin cytoskeleton changes [5]. In mouse cochlear hair cells, Strip1 expression increases with age, and homozygous knockout is embryonic lethal, suggesting its importance in hair cell development [2].

In breast cancer cells, loss of STRIP1 leads to cell cycle arrest and decreased proliferation, yet may allow escape from therapy-induced senescence [7].

In summary, Strip1 is crucial for various biological processes such as embryonic development, inner retina formation, muscle structure organization, and cochlear hair cell development. Studies using gene knockout models in different organisms have revealed its roles in these processes and potential implications in diseases like glaucoma and breast cancer.