mouse strain Mafa{tm1.1Rwst} mouse strain A mouse strain in which the targeted gene, v-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene family, protein A (avian) (NCBI Gene ID: 378435), has been modified (allele type: Conditional Null) to targeted mutation 1.1 (MGI ID: Mafa{tm1.1(lox)}). Mafa is a basic leucine-zipper containing member of the large Maf transcription factor family.It is part of the RIPE3b1 activator complex and functions as a key activator of insulin and pdx-1 gene transcription. Mafa{lox} mice may be used to generate both global and cell-specific Mafa null mice, depending on which cre-expressing transgenic mouse is used. Removal of Mafa gene might have a profound effect on beta cell function; thus we can closely monitor the expression of islet hormones, transcription functions and the glucose sensing machinery immunohistochemically. The experiment will provide us with the information about the role of Mafa plays in vivo in islet beta cells and the developing pancreas, thus helping us to understand how transcription activator contribute to the pathogenesis and the treatment of diabetes. Mafa{tm1.1Rwst} Person: Mark A. Magnuson, Jill Lindner, Jean-Philippe Cartailler Vanderbilt University Medical Center