MSI2 in the dentate gyrus and ovary regulates the reproductive endocrine homeostasis of female mice.

ABSTRACT: Musashi2 (MSI2) plays a crucial role in neural stem cells and reproductive regulation, yet its mechanism in integrating the neuro-endocrine system remains poorly understood. This study investigates how MSI2 influences ovarian function by using conditional knockout mice for Msi2 in the brain and ovary. Our results show that KRT14/MSI2 neurons in the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus directly project to the ovary. Deletion of Msi2 in the DG and ovary increases follicle number and litter size, but causes a decline in fertility and follicle reserve after 6 months of age. AAV-mediated specific knockout of Msi2 in the DG raises follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, upregulates Hsd3b1 and Star expression in the ovary, and decreases Cyp17a1 expression, with a

SUBMITTER: Liu H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12727701 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature