A prolactin family paralog regulates reproductive adaptations to a physiological stressor
AUTOR(ES)
Ain, Rupasri
FONTE
National Academy of Sciences
RESUMO
Successful species develop strategies to optimize their reproductive performance. This optimization likely includes the evolution of genes that specifically permit reproduction in physiologically challenging conditions. The prolactin (PRL) family gene cluster is one of 25 mouse-specific gene clusters, the majority of which are associated with reproduction. A prevailing theme characterizing the PRL family is its connection with pregnancy and mechanisms controlling viviparity. PRL-like protein A (PLP-A) is one of 26 genes located within the PRL family locus. It is a nonclassical member of the PRL family (e.g., PLP-A does not use the PRL receptor) produced by trophoblast cells of the chorioallantoic placenta and acts on uterine natural killer cells. In this report, the biology of PLP-A has been investigated by generating mice with a PLP-A null mutation. Under standardized animal husbandry conditions, PLP-A possesses modest effects on reproductive performance. However, this same gene is critical for reproduction when mice are exposed to a physiological stressor. Wild-type mice exposed to hypobaric hypoxia during gestation readily adapt and maintain their pregnancies, whereas PLP-A null mutant mice fail to adapt, resulting in pregnancy failure. PLP-A contributes to hypoxia-induced adaptations critical to hemochorial placentation and thus nutrient flow to extraembryonic and embryonic tissues. The findings provide insights into species-specific reproductive adaptations.
ACESSO AO ARTIGO
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=534510Documentos Relacionados
- Leaf anatomy changes related to physiological adaptations to flooding in Amazonian tree species
- Plant Physiological Adaptations to the Massive Foreign Protein Synthesis Occurring in Recombinant Chloroplasts[W]
- Physiological Adaptations in Response to Environmental Stress During an N2-Fixing Anabaena Bloom
- Galanin regulates prolactin release and lactotroph proliferation
- Use of antiserum to neurotensin reveals a physiological role for the peptide in rat prolactin release.