Conclusions
Our study shows that RAB6 is an essential gene required for normal embryonic development. We confirm in MEF cells most of the functions previously attributed to the two ubiquitous Rab6 isoforms.
Results
We have generated mice with a conditional null allele of RAB6A. Mice homozygous for the RAB6A null allele died at an early stage of embryonic development. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) were isolated from RAB6A(loxP/loxP) Rosa26-CreERT2 and incubated with 4-hydroxy tamoxifen, resulting in the efficient depletion of Rab6A and Rab6A'. We show that Rab6 depletion affects cell growth, alters Golgi morphology and decreases the Golgi-associated levels of some known Rab6 effectors such as Bicaudal-D and myosin II. We also show that Rab6 depletion protects MEFs against ricin toxin and delays VSV-G secretion. Conclusions: Our study shows that RAB6 is an essential gene required for normal embryonic development. We confirm in MEF cells most of the functions previously attributed to the two ubiquitous Rab6 isoforms.