Overexpression of Uromodulin-like1 accelerates follicle depletion and subsequent ovarian degeneration.

ABSTRACT: Murine Uromodulin-like 1 (Umodl1) encodes Ca(2+)-dependent EGF-like membrane-bound proteins. This study presents its novel expression in the immune and female reproductive systems. Upon stimulation by CD3/CD28 antibodies, Umodl1 showed a prompt and robust response in the proliferating CD4(+) T cells, suggesting its implication in immune defense against pathogens. In ovary, Umodl1 is regulated by gonadotropins. Mice carrying extra copies of functional Umodl1 were generated by BAC transgenesis. Defects in the female reproductive system became evident from 4 months of age, manifested by reduced or diminished fertility. Histology revealed that the ovaries contained very few discernible follicles in the cortical region, and were devoid of distinguishable corpus lutea (CL). Among the multilayere

SUBMITTER: Wang W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3542605 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature