The transcription factors SIX3 and VAX1 are required for suprachiasmatic nucleus circadian output and fertility in female mice.

ABSTRACT: The homeodomain transcription factors sine oculis homeobox 3 (Six3) and ventral anterior homeobox 1 (Vax1) are required for brain development. Their expression in specific brain areas is maintained in adulthood, where their functions are poorly understood. To identify the roles of Six3 and Vax1 in neurons, we conditionally deleted each gene using Synapsin^cre , a promoter targeting maturing neurons, and generated Six3^syn and Vax1^syn mice. Six3^syn and Vax1^syn females, but not males, had reduced fertility, due to impairment of the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge driving ovulation. In nocturnal rodents, the LH surge requires a precise timing signal from the brain's circadian pacemaker, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), near the time of act

SUBMITTER: Hoffmann HM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8577618 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature