CRANIOFACIAL DEFECTS IN AP-2 NULL MUTANT MICE

AP-2 is a recent significant addition to the list of transcription fac tors that have been demonstrated by targeted gene disruption to be ess ential for normal development. Two recent reports of AP-2 null mutant mice((1,2)) indicate that AP-2 holds a key position in the network of genes and proteins controlling developmental pattern and morphogenesis , and that it is particularly important for development of the cranial region and for midline fusions.