• INHBE encodes a member of the TGF-beta (transforming growth factor-beta) superfamily of proteins. The encoded preproprotein is proteolytically processed to generate an inhibin beta subunit. Inhibins have been implicated in regulating numerous cellular processes including cell proliferation, apoptosis, immune response and hormone secretion. This gene may be upregulated under conditions of endoplasmic reticulum stress, and this protein may inhibit cellular proliferation and growth in the pancreas and liver.
• Gene editing strategy: The exons 1-2 of the mouse Inhbe gene that encode the whole molecule, including promoter, 5’UTR, and 3’UTR, were replaced by human counterparts, including human promoter, 5’UTR, and human 3’UTR in B-hINHBE mice plus. The human INHBE expression is driven by the human INHBE promoter, while the mouse Inhbe gene transcription and translation will be disrupted.
• Validation: Mouse Inhbe mRNA was detectable only in wild-type C57BL/6JNifdc mice. Human INHBE mRNA was detectable only in homozygous B-hINHBE mice plus but not in wild-type mice. INHBE protein was detectable in the serum of homozygous B-hINHBE mice plus and wild-type C57BL/6JNifdc mice, as the antibody cross-recognizes both human and mouse INHBE.
• Application: This mice can be used for preclinical pharmacodynamics studies of obesity-related diseases

Gene targeting strategy for B-hINHBE mice plus. The exons 1-2 of the mouse Inhbe gene that encode the whole molecule, including promoter, 5’UTR, and 3’UTR, were replaced by human counterparts, including human promoter, 5’UTR, and human 3’UTR in B-hINHBE mice plus. The human INHBE expression is driven by the human INHBE promoter, while the mouse Inhbe gene transcription and translation will be disrupted.