Abstract: BACKGROUND ＆ AIM: Molecular cloning and expression analysis of a novel mouse development related gene, and exploring its role in the teratogenic action of alcohol. MATERIAL AND METHODS: EST assembly was used in gene cloning, expression and homology analysis; RT－PCR, transfection of fused green fluorescent protein, whole mount in situ hybridization, section in situ hybridization and northern blot were used in gene verification, subcellular and tissue localization and expression difference between normal and alcohol treated embryos both in vivo and in vitro. RESULTS: Successfully cloned a novel mouse development related gene, Ercc6l. It expresses strongly in normal tissues of mouse embryos, but is significantly down regulated in neonates and hardly expresses in adults. Expression of Ercc6l in alcohol treated mouse embryos was significantly down regulated compared to their paired controls. CONCLUSION: Ercc6l is a novel development related gene of mice, as well as one of the molecular targets of alcohol teratogenic action.

Key words: Ercc6l, gene cloning, SNF2 protein, alcohol