Establishment of a mouse model of Netherton syndrome based on CRISPR/Cas9 technology.

BACKGROUND

Netherton syndrome is a rare but severe autosomal recessive disorder with dominant impaired skin barrier function, caused by mutations in the SPINK5 (serine protease inhibitor Kazal-type 5) gene, which encodes LEKTI (lymphoepithelial Kazal-type-related inhibitor).

OBJECTIVES

To establish a murine model of Netherton syndrome based on CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology.

MATERIALS & METHODS: Spink5-sgRNA was designed to target exon 3 of the mouse Spink5 gene. Cas9 mRNA and sgRNA were microinjected into the zygotes of C57BL/6J mice. Spink5 homozygous knockout mice were born from a heterozygous intercross, and the phenotype of these mice was compared with wild-type regarding gross morphology, histopathology and immunofluorescent detection of LEKTI.

RESULTS

Following microinjection of zygotes using the CRISPR/Cas9 system, sequencing demonstrated a 22-bp deletion at exon 3 of the mouse Spink5 gene. Histological investigation revealed complete detachment of the stratum corneum from the underlying granular layer and an absence of LEKTI in skin from Spink5 homozygous knockout mice.

CONCLUSION

The 22-bp deleted Spink5 transgenic mouse model demonstrates the clinical phenotype and genotype of human Netherton syndrome, representing a useful tool for future gene correction and skin barrier/inflammation studies.