Erbb2 Knockout mouse models
Erbb2, mouse ortholog of human ERBB2 and historically called Neu, encodes the ERBB family member that binds no known ligand because its extracellular region is constitutively fixed in the extended, dimerization-competent conformation, making it the preferred heterodimerization partner for ligand-bound EGFR, ERBB3 and ERBB4 and the most potent signaling partner in the family. Amplification at 17q12 drives breast and gastric carcinoma, whereas the rat transmembrane V664E substitution and human extracellular and kinase domain missense variants act through enhanced dimerization. Trastuzumab and pertuzumab recognize subdomain IV and subdomain II epitopes that differ between mouse and human, so ectodomain humanized knockins are the only rigorous platform for antibody and antibody-drug conjugate efficacy and cardiotoxicity work. Germline null embryos die from failed cardiac trabeculation and cranial neural crest defects, requiring conditional alleles. Because ERBB2 signals only as a heterodimer, Erbb3 is functionally obligate for PI3K output, so pair alleles accordingly and select a mammary-restricted Cre for tumor studies.
Whole body loss of Erbb2 gives the clearest readout when the question is whether the gene is required at all. Follow up tissue work can still move to a conditional allele if lethality or compensation appears.
What Erbb2 Knockout mouse models are available?
ingenious targeting laboratory offers 1 distinct Erbb2 knockout catalog mouse model. Researchers can order pre-developed catalog lines or request a custom mouse model, including humanized, knockin, and transgenic variations with verified germline transmission.
Catalog table
| Model | Type | Category | Availability | Catalog # | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erbb2-KO | Knockout | KO/CKO mice | sperm cryopreservation | KO 233440 | Inquire |
Designing a Erbb2 Knockout allele
The straight null is an embryonic tool, not a cancer tool. Homozygotes arrest around midgestation with a smooth-walled ventricle that never forms trabeculae, because cardiac neuregulin 1 from endocardium cannot signal to myocardial ERBB2 with ERBB4. The lethality is early enough that every later question, including neural crest derived Schwann cell precursor survival, sensory and motor ganglion formation, and neuromuscular junction assembly, is invisible unless heart function is restored. The established workaround is a cardiac-restricted rescue transgene that carries embryos to birth and unmasks the peripheral nervous system phenotype. Heterozygotes are essentially normal and give no useful oncologic readout, since human disease is driven by amplification and gain of function rather than haploinsufficiency. Use this allele for staged embryo collection with histology of the ventricular wall, whole mount neurofilament staining, and in situ analysis of Nrg1 and Erbb4 expression.
A conventional knockout answers whether the gene is required broadly. When your target tissue is the organ of interest, a global null can still be informative if viability is acceptable and you want the simplest genotype. If the null is harsh, a floxed allele with a regional Cre is the safer long term platform.
Pricing and quotes
The Erbb2 Knockout lines listed above are catalog models. Send us the catalog number and our team confirms current availability, pricing, and whether the line ships cryopreserved or live.
If your study needs a Erbb2 allele configuration that is not listed above, our scientific team designs and generates it. Model generation quotes return in about twenty four hours with project milestones and pricing.
FAQ
What Erbb2 Knockout mouse models are available?
When Erbb2 Knockout lines are in catalog, we ship from inventory. If your configuration is not listed, we design the allele to order. Common paths include conditional knockout, constitutive knockout, humanized, knockin, and transgenic options, with documented germline transmission and United States QC.
Is Erbb2 knockout embryonic lethal in mice?
It depends on background and allele design. Some Erbb2 germline knockouts are viable. Others need conditional alleles or mixed backgrounds. We review publications and our own experience, then recommend floxed versus null before you commit.
Which Cre driver is best for experiments?
Driver choice depends on onset timing, recombination efficiency, and known leak. We map your organ and cell type to a short list of proven Cre lines, then talk through reporter crosses and controls. We favor drivers with strong community validation for your tissue.
Do you ship live Erbb2 animals?
When catalog lines are live, we ship with health certificates and QC documentation. If your exact combo is not listed, we quote a generation project with cryo or live dispatch depending on cohort timing and geography.
How do I request a quote for Erbb2?
Use the catalog inquire buttons or the request quote form. Include your allele goal, Cre plan if any, strain background, and cohort size. A PhD led team responds with pricing, milestones, and the fastest path to experimental animals.