Categories: Cardiovascular system phene , Homeostasis / metabolism phene

Links to possible relevant human trait(s) and/or gene(s) in OMIM: 150325 (gene)

Single-gene trait/disorder: yes

Disease-related: yes

Key variant known: yes

Year key variant first reported: 2026

Molecular basis: Zhang et al. (2026): "a rabbit model carrying the homologous LAMB2 p.E991K mutation was generated using the CRISPR/Cas9-SpG system and subjected to a high-fat diet to induce atherosclerosis." This study involves gene edited or genetically modified organisms (GMO).

Genetic engineering: Yes - variants have been created artificially, e.g. by genetic engineering or gene editing
Have human generated variants been created, e.g. through genetic engineering and gene editing

Clinical features: Zhang et al. (2026): "LAMB2 mutant rabbits exhibited increased body weight and significant lipid metabolic abnormalities." 

Pathology: Zhang et al. (2026): "Oil Red O staining demonstrated enhanced lipid accumulation and larger atherosclerotic plaques in the aorta. ...  Laminin β2 (LAMB2) expression was markedly decreased and accompanied by basement membrane disruption." 

Breed: New Zealand White (Rabbit) (VBO_0001269).
Breeds in which the phene or likely causal variants have been documented. If a likely causal variant has been documented, see variant-specific breed information in the variant table. (Breed information may be incomplete).

Associated gene: