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Gene knockouts that cause female infertility: search for novel contraceptive targets

Rajesh K Naz1, Changanamkandath Rajesh

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The West Virginia University, School of Medicine, Health Science Center, Morgantown, WV 26506-9186, USA. rnaz@hsc.wvu.edu

Frontiers in Bioscience : a Journal and Virtual Library
|June 23, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Gene knockout studies reveal crucial molecules impacting female fertility. Specific targets like zona pellucida proteins offer potential for novel contraception development.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Gene knockout technology has significantly advanced the study of female fertility and infertility.
  • It has uncovered numerous molecules, mechanisms, and insights into the female reproductive cascade.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify genes whose knockout affects female mouse fertility.
  • To pinpoint specific molecular targets for novel contraceptive strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive database and literature search for gene knockout studies in female mice.
  • Analysis of reported effects on reproductive structures and functions.

Main Results:

  • Over 83 gene knockouts demonstrated effects on female mouse fertility, impacting various reproductive stages.
  • Only a few gene knockouts, such as those for zona pellucida (ZP) glycoproteins and oocyte plasma membrane proteins, showed specific infertility effects without affecting other organs.

Conclusions:

  • Gene knockouts have identified key molecules essential for female fertility.
  • Zona pellucida proteins and oocyte plasma membrane proteins are promising targets for developing new contraceptives, including vaccines.

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