Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 11, 2026

Performing Vaginal Lavage, Crystal Violet Staining, and Vaginal Cytological Evaluation for Mouse Estrous Cycle Staging Identification
09:01

Performing Vaginal Lavage, Crystal Violet Staining, and Vaginal Cytological Evaluation for Mouse Estrous Cycle Staging Identification

Published on: September 15, 2012

120.6K

Evaluation of changes in the expression of Wnt/β-catenin target genes in mouse reproductive tissues during estrous

Saeed Zavareh1,2, Zahara Gholizadeh1, Taghi Lashkarbolouki1,2

  • 1School of Biology, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran.

International Journal of Reproductive Biomedicine
|April 21, 2018
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Wingless-type (Wnt)/β-catenin target gene expression in mouse reproductive tissues varies across the estrous cycle. Hormonal changes during the cycle influence these gene expression patterns in uterine and ovarian tissues.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive biology
  • Molecular endocrinology
  • Cell signaling

Background:

  • The Wingless-type (Wnt)/β-catenin pathway is crucial for cell homeostasis.
  • Steroidal hormones influence Wnt/β-catenin signaling, but its role in reproductive tissues is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate Wnt/β-catenin target gene expression in mouse reproductive tissues during the estrous cycle.
  • To understand the impact of hormonal fluctuations on reproductive tissue gene expression.

Main Methods:

  • NMRI mice were categorized into estrous cycle phases (proestrus, estrus, metestrus, diestrus).
  • Uterine horns and ovarian tissues were collected for analysis.
  • Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assessed Wnt/β-catenin target gene expression (Myc2, Ppard, Id2, Birc5, Ascl2).

Main Results:

  • Uterine expression of Id2, Ascl2, and Pprd was highest during proestrus.
  • Birc5 expression in the uterus peaked during metestrus.
  • Myc2 expression in the uterus was highest during diestrus.
  • Ovarian expression of Id2, Ascl2, and Birc5 was highest during proestrus.
  • Ovarian Myc2 and Ppard expression peaked during estrus.

Conclusions:

  • Wnt/β-catenin target gene profiles differ significantly across the estrous cycle.
  • Hormonal profiles associated with estrous cycle stages regulate Wnt/β-catenin target gene expression in reproductive tissues.
Keywords:
Beta cateninEstrous cycleMiceWnt signaling pathway

More Related Videos

Rodent Estrous Cycle Monitoring Utilizing Vaginal Lavage: No Such Thing As a Normal Cycle09:05

Rodent Estrous Cycle Monitoring Utilizing Vaginal Lavage: No Such Thing As a Normal Cycle

Published on: August 30, 2021

8.6K
Lung microRNA Profiling Across the Estrous Cycle in Ozone-exposed Mice07:07

Lung microRNA Profiling Across the Estrous Cycle in Ozone-exposed Mice

Published on: January 7, 2019

6.6K

Related Concept Videos

Cell Specific Gene Expression01:58

Cell Specific Gene Expression

Multicellular organisms contain a variety of structurally and functionally distinct cell types, but the DNA in all the cells originated from the same parent cells. The differences in the cells can be attributed to the differential gene expression. Liver cells, whose functions include detoxification of blood, production of bile to metabolize fats, and synthesis of proteins essential for metabolism, must express a specific set of genes to perform their functions. Gene expression also varies with...
16.6K
Cell Specific Gene Expression01:58

Cell Specific Gene Expression

5.6K
What is Gene Expression?01:42

What is Gene Expression?

Overview
Gene expression is the process in which DNA directs the synthesis of functional products, that is, proteins. Cells can regulate gene expression at various stages. It allows organisms to generate different cell types and enables cells to adapt to internal and external factors.
Genetic Information Flows from DNA to RNA to Protein
A gene is a stretch of DNA that serves as the blueprint for functional RNAs and proteins. Since DNA is made up of nucleotides and proteins consist of amino...
197.0K
What is Gene Expression?01:36

What is Gene Expression?

A gene is a stretch of DNA that serves as the blueprint for functional RNAs and proteins. Since DNA is comprised  of nucleotides and proteins are comprised of amino acids, a mediator is required to convert the information encoded in DNA into proteins. This mediator is the messenger RNA (mRNA). mRNA copies the blueprint from DNA by a process called transcription. In eukaryotes, transcription occurs in the nucleus by complementary base-pairing with the DNA template. The mRNA is then...
11.6K
Catenins01:23

Catenins

Catenins are characterized by multiple binding domains and dynamic structures that allow them to function as linker proteins in cell junction complexes. All catenins, except α-catenin, contain a characteristic protein sequence called the armadillo repeat and are therefore also called armadillo proteins.
Catenins in Cell Junctions
Catenins bind to cell adhesion molecules such as cadherins and link them to different cytoskeletal proteins depending on the type of cell junction. At the...
3.1K
Chromatin Position Affects Gene Expression02:35

Chromatin Position Affects Gene Expression

Chromatin is the massive complex of DNA and proteins packaged inside the nucleus. The complexity of chromatin folding and how it is packaged inside the nucleus greatly influences  access to genetic information. Generally, the nucleus' periphery is considered transcriptionally repressive, while the cell's interior is considered a transcriptionally active area. 
Topologically Associated Domains (TADs)
The 3-dimensional positioning of chromatin in the nucleus influences the...
24.9K