Gabant P, Forrester L, Nichols J, Van Reeth T, De Mees C, Pajack B, Watt A, Smitz J, Alexandre H, Szpirer C, Szpirer J. Alpha-fetoprotein, the major fetal serum protein, is not essential for embryonic development but is required for female fertility.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2002;
99:12865-70. [PMID:
12297623 PMCID:
PMC130551 DOI:
10.1073/pnas.202215399]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The alpha-fetoprotein gene (Afp) is a member of a multigenic family that comprises the related genes encoding albumin, alpha-albumin, and vitamin D binding protein. The biological role of this major embryonic serum protein is unknown although numerous speculations have been made. We have used gene targeting to show that AFP is not required for embryonic development. AFP null embryos develop normally, and individually transplanted homozygous embryos can develop in an AFP-deficient microenvironment. Whereas mutant homozygous adult males are viable and fertile, AFP null females are infertile. Our analyses of these mice indicate that the defect is caused by a dysfunction of the hypothalamic/pituitary system, leading to anovulation.
Collapse