Centromere protein b-null mice display decreasing reproductive performance through successive generations of breeding due to diminishing endometrial glands.
Centromere protein B is a highly conserved constitutive protein found at centromeres. Gene knockout studies in mice have unexpectedly identified Cenpb as a candidate gene involved in uterine function. The present study further explores the role of Cenpb in mice by intermating Cenpb-null mice over several generations. Breeding studies and analysis of uterine tissue indicate that Cenpb-null mice lose reproductive fitness over a number of generations due to a significant reduction in endometrial glands. These results suggest that Cenpb may play an important function in the short- and long-term maintenance of uterine integrity.
Fowler
K J
KJ
Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Flemington Road, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia. kerry.fowler@mcri.edu.au
Wong
L H
LH
Griffiths
B K
BK
Sibson
M C
MC
Reed
S
S
Choo
K H A
KH
D000818:Animals; D001324:Autoantigens; D001947:Breeding; D051936:Centromere Protein B; D002868:Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D004717:Endometrium / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D023281:Genomics; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D009929:Organ Size / Q000235:genetics; D010053:Ovary / Q000473:pathology / Q000637:transplantation; D012098:Reproduction / Q000502:physiology*
D001324:Autoantigens; C497927:Cenpb protein, mouse; D051936:Centromere Protein B; D002868:Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins