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Updated: Jun 28, 2026
Determination of Reproductive Competence by Confirming Pubertal Onset and Performing a Fertility Assay in Mice and Rats
Published on: October 13, 2018
[Knockout mice in the service of reproduction]
1Laboratoire d'andrologie, CHU de Kremlin-Bicêtre, AP-HP, 78, avenue du Général-Leclerc, 94275 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre cedex, France. denise.escalier@noos.fr
Abstract:
At least 600 infertile knockout mice have been produced and this review is limited to recent models involving unexpected genes in reproduction or genes involved in recently identified molecular biology pathways. They concern the female meiosis (Brca1), primordial follicles (Lhx8), granulosa cells (Lrh1), and, for both sexes, mitochondria (Immp2l) and meiosis (Ubb). Germ cells can be altered differently following the sex, as it is the case for Dicer, known to be involved in the formation of miRNA. Knockout mice can support data obtained in human, such as for HNRNPGT, whose role in the human spermatogenesis remained questionable. However, due to numerous factors involved, positive results obtained by the "candidate gene approach" remain limited (for example, SCP3 and CREM). Nevertheless, knockout mouse models bring considerable knowledge on genes possibly involved in men and women infertilities.
Insights
Recent knockout mouse models reveal unexpected genes influencing reproduction, aiding human infertility research. These models provide crucial insights into male and female infertility causes.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology and genetics
- Molecular and developmental biology
Context:
- Over 600 infertile knockout mouse models have been generated.
- This review focuses on recent models linked to unexpected reproductive genes or novel molecular pathways.
Purpose:
- To review recent knockout mouse models relevant to reproductive biology.
- To highlight genes involved in female meiosis, primordial follicles, granulosa cells, mitochondria, and germ cell development.
Summary:
- Recent studies utilize knockout mice to investigate genes such as Brca1, Lhx8, Lrh1, Immp2l, Ubb, and Dicer, revealing their roles in reproductive processes.
- These models explore sex-specific effects on germ cells (e.g., Dicer and miRNA) and support human data (e.g., HNRNPGT in spermatogenesis).
- While candidate gene approaches have limitations (e.g., SCP3, CREM), knockout mice offer significant insights into potential infertility-related genes.
Impact:
- Knockout mouse models are instrumental in understanding the genetic underpinnings of male and female infertility.
- This research advances knowledge of molecular pathways critical for successful reproduction.
- Findings contribute to potential diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for human reproductive disorders.
