Gene expression profiling of neonatal mouse uterine development

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Genomics

Background:

• Postnatal uterine development is critical for adult reproductive function.
• Neonatal exposure to endocrine disruptors can impair reproductive cycles and pregnancy.
• Mechanisms regulating postnatal uterine development are largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify candidate genes and gene networks regulating postnatal uterine development.
• To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying uterine morphogenesis.
• To investigate gene expression changes in the uterine epithelium and stroma/myometrium during development.

Main Methods:

• Gene expression profiling of whole mouse uteri on postnatal days 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 using Affymetrix GeneChips.
• Enzymatic separation of uterine epithelium from stroma/myometrium on postnatal days 3, 6, and 9.
• Gene expression profiling of separated uterine compartments using CodeLink Expression Bioarrays.

Main Results:

• Over 12,000 genes were analyzed, with 3012 showing significant expression changes during uterine development.
• Complex, overlapping gene expression patterns were observed in both uterine epithelial and stromal/myometrial compartments.
• Identified candidate genes include secreted factors (Wnt5a, Wnt7a), transcription factors (Hoxa10, Hoxa11), enzymes, growth factors (IGF-II), and extracellular matrix components (osteopontin).

Conclusions:

• Postnatal uterine development is a complex process regulated by dynamic gene expression changes in distinct uterine compartments.
• The identified candidate genes and networks provide a foundation for understanding uterine morphogenesis.
• This research is vital for discerning mechanisms disrupted by endocrine disruptors, impacting reproductive health.