Murine genetic studies have demonstrated that homozygous Ddost ablation results in embryonic lethality, while heterozygous deletion elicits a spectrum of somatic abnormalities, including adrenal hypoplasia, splenic atrophy, lymphadenopathy and impaired erythropoiesis, indicating the indispensable role of DDOST in mammalian development and homeostasis73,74. This evidence concerns the gene DDOST and Atrophy.