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Published on: August 11, 2023
Loss of Runx3 affects ovulation and estrogen-induced endometrial cell proliferation in female mice
Atsuko Sakuma1, Hiroshi Fukamachi, Kosei Ito
1The Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Tsushima, Okayama, Japan.
Abstract:
Runx3 is a transcription factor that belongs to the Runx family. We studied the function of Runx3 in the mouse ovary and uterus using the Runx3 knockout (Runx3(-/-)) mouse. Ovaries were collected from 8-week-old wild type (wt) and Runx3(-/-) mice. Histological studies showed that follicles were present at various developmental stages in the Runx3(-/-) and wt mouse ovaries. The numbers of primary, preantral and antral follicles in the Runx3(-/-) mice were significantly less than those in the wt mice while the number of primordial follicles in the Runx3(-/-) mice was not significantly different from that in the wt mice. Corpora lutea were not detected in the Runx3(-/-) mouse ovary. Gonadotropin treatment in immature female mice induced ovulation in Runx3(-/-) mice as well as in wt mice, indicating that ovaries of Runx3(-/-) mice respond to gonadotropin treatment as those in wt mouse ovaries. This suggests that failure of ovulation is due to dysfunction of regulatory mechanism of gonadotropin secretion. In addition, the uteri of Runx3(-/-) mice were atrophic, showed thin epithelial layers compared with those of the wt mice, and did not respond to estrogen in terms of DNA replication in endometrial epithelial cells. These results suggest that Runx3 takes part in the regulation of reproductive functions.
Insights
Runx3 transcription factor deficiency impairs mouse reproductive functions. Runx3 knockout mice exhibit reduced ovarian follicle development and atrophic uteri, suggesting Runx3
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Developmental biology
- Molecular endocrinology
Background:
- Runx3 is a key transcription factor within the Runx family.
- The role of Runx3 in female reproductive organ development and function requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function of Runx3 in the mouse ovary and uterus.
- To determine the impact of Runx3 deficiency on reproductive processes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Runx3 knockout (Runx3(-/-)) and wild-type (wt) littermate mice.
- Performed histological analysis of ovaries and uteri.
- Assessed ovarian follicle counts and response to gonadotropin treatment; evaluated uterine response to estrogen.
Main Results:
- Runx3(-/-) mice showed significantly fewer primary, preantral, and antral follicles compared to wt mice; primordial follicle numbers were similar.
- Corpora lutea were absent in Runx3(-/-) ovaries, indicating anovulation potentially due to regulatory issues in gonadotropin secretion.
- Runx3(-/-) uteri were atrophic with thin epithelial layers and failed to respond to estrogen stimulation.
Conclusions:
- Runx3 plays a critical role in regulating ovarian follicle development and ovulation.
- Runx3 is essential for maintaining uterine structure and estrogen responsiveness.
- These findings highlight Runx3's integral role in overall female reproductive function.
