Mouse genetic study of Hurp : role of Hurp in uterine physiology and embryo implantation

• Main Authors: Ching-Yen Tsai, 蔡青宴
• Other Authors: Ting-Fen Tsai
• Format: Others
• Language: en_US
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/tpmj6y

博士 === 國立陽明大學 === 生命科學暨基因體科學研究所 === 97 === Hepatoma up-regulated protein, HURP, first revealed in cancer studies, is a cell-cycle associated gene with elevated expression in the G2/M phase. Cell culture studies have revealed that HURP is an essential factor required for spindle formation and chromosome congression during mitosis. However, the function of HURP in an in vivo context has not been explored. We generated a Hurp knockout (Hurp–/–) mouse to investigate the role of HURP in development under normal physiological conditions. Hurp–/– mice develop normally and are indistinguishable from their wild-type littermates. Interestingly, breeding experiments revealed that Hurp–/– females are completely infertile while the males reproduce normally. Ovulation, fertilization and pre-implantation embryo development are normal; however, the Hurp–/– females are unable to form implantation sites due to an inability to undergo the decidual reaction. This phenotype is caused by a defect in endometrial stroma proliferation that leads to implantation failure. Additionally, Hurp expression in the uterus coincides with the implantation stage and can be induced by estrogen treatment. Our results demonstrate for the first time that HURP affects endometrial stroma proliferation during implantation but is dispensable during normal development in mice; specifically HURP has an essential function in uterine biology.