CRISPR/Cas9-mediated generation of a homozygous MT4 knockout mouse embryonic stem cell line.

Abstract

Metallothionein 4 (MT4) is a low-molecular-weight, cysteine-rich metal-binding protein belonging to the metallothionein family. It exhibits unique skin developmental and differentiation inhibitory activity when functionally impaired and regulates skin cell growth and disease through multiple mechanisms. However, its exact role in cell fate determination remains unknown. Here, we utilized the CRISPR/Cas9 system to generate a homozygous Mt4 knockout (Mt4-/-) mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC) line. This cell line maintains normal morphology, pluripotency, and the ability to differentiate into all three germ layers. It provides a valuable resource for investigating the mechanisms underlying skin diseases caused by MT4 gene mutations.