Research Project
Full description The Csf1r gene is expressed only in cells of the innate immune system (macrophages) that are abundant in every tissue in the body. This project is based upon novel access to Csf1r knockout rats. Csf1rko rats are macrophage deficient and have profound developmental abnormalities affecting every organ. Previous research in our lab has demonstrated that the impact of Csf1rko can be reversed by transfer of wild-type bone marrow cells. These findings indicate that CSF1R signalling provides an essential link between the innate immune system and postnatal somatic growth and organ development.