Impaired steroidogenesis and implantation failure in Bmal1-/- mice.

ABSTRACT: Evidence in humans and rodents suggests that normal circadian rhythmicity is important for supporting reproductive function. A molecular clock underlies circadian rhythmicity. Impaired fertility is observed in some genetically altered mice with deficiencies in genes of the molecular clock, suggesting a critical role for these genes in reproduction. Here we systematically characterize the reproductive phenotype of females deficient in the clock gene Bmal1. Bmal1(-/-) females are infertile. They exhibit progression through the estrous cycle, although these cycles are prolonged. Normal follicular development occurs in Bmal1(-/-) females, and healthy embryos of the expected developmental stage are found in the reproductive tract of Bmal1(-/-) females 3.5 d after mating to wild-type males. Howe

SUBMITTER: Ratajczak CK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5393263 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature