Figure 2. Genetic deletion of desmoplakin does not affect tumor growth parameters in RT2 PNETs.

Conditional genetic deletion of Dsp in angiogenic islet dysplasias and incipient solid tumors does not affect tumor formation or tumor growth parameters in RT2 mice. (A–B) Tumor burden and tumor number in RT2+; Pdx1-Cre^ER+; Dsp^WT/WT, RT2+; Pdx1-Cre^ER+; Dsp^Flox/WT, and RT2+; Pdx1-Cre^ER+; Dsp^Flox/Flox mice. Cre activity was induced at 10 weeks, and mice were sacrificed at 14 weeks. Data shown are individual values plus mean. Groups are not statistically different for these metrics. (C–E) Ki67 staining on tumors from RT2+; Pdx1-Cre^ER+; Dsp^WT/WT, RT2+; Pdx1-Cre^ER+; Dsp^Flox/WT, and RT2+; Pdx1-Cre^ER+; Dsp^Flox/Flox mice. (F–H) TUNEL staining on tumors from RT2+; Pdx1-Cre^ER+; Dsp^WT/WT, RT2+; Pdx1-Cre^ER+; Dsp^Flox/WT, and RT2+; Pdx1-Cre^ER+; Dsp^Flox/Flox mice. (I) Quantification of C–E. Data shown are mean plus standard error. Groups are not statistically different. (J) Quantification of F–H. Data shown are mean plus standard error. Groups are not statistically different. Scale bars represent 100 µm (C–H).