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Updated: Aug 14, 2026
An Orthotopic Model of Serous Ovarian Cancer in Immunocompetent Mice for in vivo Tumor Imaging and Monitoring of Tumor Immune Responses
Published on: November 29, 2010
Murine ovarian development is not affected by inactivation of the bcl-2 family member diva
Helen R Russell1, Youngsoo Lee, Heather L Miller
1Department of Genetics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, USA.
Abstract:
Diva (also called Boo/Bcl-B) is a member of the Bcl-2 gene family and most likely functions during apoptosis. Diva is highly expressed in the ovary, and both pro- and antiapoptotic functions have been ascribed to this protein. To determine the role of Diva during murine development, we used gene targeting to inactivate DIVA: The Diva-null mice are born at the expected ratios, are fertile, and have no obvious histological abnormalities, and long-term survival did not differ from littermate controls. Additionally, Diva was not required for apoptosis occurring from genotoxic insult in the ovaries or other organs. Thus, Diva is not critical for the normal development of the ovaries, or in its absence its function is subserved by another protein.
Insights
The Bcl-2 family protein Diva is not essential for mouse development or ovarian apoptosis. Diva-null mice show normal fertility and survival, indicating no critical role for Diva in these processes.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Diva (Boo/Bcl-B) is a Bcl-2 family member implicated in apoptosis.
- Diva is highly expressed in ovaries, with reported pro- and anti-apoptotic roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Diva in murine development and apoptosis using gene targeting.
Main Methods:
- Gene targeting was employed to create Diva-null mice.
- Phenotypic analysis of Diva-null mice, including fertility, survival, and histology.
- Assessment of apoptosis in response to genotoxic insult in ovaries and other organs.
Main Results:
- Diva-null mice were born at expected ratios, were fertile, and exhibited no obvious abnormalities.
- Long-term survival of Diva-null mice did not differ from controls.
- Diva was not required for apoptosis induced by genotoxic stress in ovaries or other tissues.
Conclusions:
- Diva is not critical for normal murine development or ovarian function.
- The absence of Diva does not impair apoptosis in response to genotoxic insult.
- Diva's function may be compensated by other proteins during development or apoptosis.
