Deficiency of Wnt10a causes female infertility via the β-catenin/Cyp19a1 pathway in mice

Abstract

Wnt signaling is relevant for a wide range of biological processes, including reproductive function. The function of Wnt10a in female fertility, however, remains obscure. In the present study, we explored the structure and function of the female reproductive organs in Wnt10a knockout (KO) mice. The expression of β-catenin signaling was significantly lower in the ovaries of the Wnt10a KO mice compared with wild-type (WT) mice. In addition, the estrous cycles were disrupted, ovarian follicles were diminished, and endometria were thinner, accompanied by lower serum estrogen levels, and higher testosterone and progesterone levels in Wnt10a KO mice. The expression of the ovarian cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily A member 1 (Cyp19a1) was significantly lower in Wnt10a KO mice. We detected no significant changes in the levels of the gonadotropins between WT and KO mice. Together, our findings indicate that deficiency of Wnt10a causes female infertility through β-catenin and Cyp19a1signaling pathways in mice.

Deletion of Wnt10a Is Implicated in Hippocampal Neurodegeneration in Mice

“…Wnt10a -/- mice were grossly smaller in size when compared with WT mice of the same age ( Figure 1 A). The mean body weights and brain weights were significantly lower in Wnt10a -/- mice ( Figure 1 B,C), corresponding to previous reports [ 17 , 18 , 19 ]. Compared with WT mice, the hippocampal volume in Wnt10a -/- mice was significantly lower ( Figure 1 D,E).…”

“…A typical disease caused by Wnt10a deficiency is odonto-onycho-dermal dysplasia, which has symptoms typically affecting skin, hair, and teeth [ 15 ]. Recent studies have indicated that Wnt10a plays an essential role in tumor growth, wound healing, osteogenesis, adipogenesis, and female fertility using Wnt10a -/- mice [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ]. No reports, however, have examined the effects of Wnt10a on hippocampal structure and function.…”

Progesterone Induces Apoptosis and Steroidogenesis in Porcine Placental Trophoblasts

“…In addition, the placenta is the main site of estrogen production and the most active site for CYP19A1 expression [ 57 ]. Decreased estrogen levels are associated with downregulated CYP19A1 expression in mouse granulosa cells [ 58 ]. Our results showed that a high dose of P4 promoted E2 synthesis, possibly due to the upregulation of CYP19A1 gene expression.…”