Fig. 6. Expression of Nkx6.2 in the Pdx1+ domain restores insulin
expression in Nkx6.1 mutant embryos. (A-F)
Immunofluorescence detection of insulin (Ins, green) and glucagon (Glc, red).
(B,E) Nkx6.1-/- embryos have reduced insulin but normal
glucagon cell numbers at E14.5 (B) and E18.5 (E) compared to wild type (A,D).
(C,F) Expression of the Pdx1-Nkx6.2 transgene in
Nkx6.1-/- embryos restores the formation of
insulin+ cells at E14.5 (C) and restores normal islet morphology
and size at E18.5 (F). (G) Morphometric quantification of the
insulin+ area over total pancreatic area in E18.5 embryos reveals
an average threefold reduction of insulin+ area in
Nkx6.1-/- (n=5) compared to wild-type mice
(n=5). The Pdx1-Nkx6.2 transgene restores the
insulin+ area in Nkx6.1-/- mutants to wild-type
values in two embryos, whereas three embryos showed partial or no rescue
(n=5). (Compare with Fig.
4.) Scale bar: 50 µm.