Production of transgenic mice expressing EGFP under monkey 20α‐HSD promoter

Abstract

In all mammalian species, progesterone is essential in the preparation for and maintenance of pregnancy, if it occurs. Progesterone primes the endometrium for possible implantation and inhibits uterine contraction until birth. Aldo‐keto reductases (AKRs) belong to a superfamily of NADPH‐dependent reductases that act on a wide range of substrates, including simple carbohydrates, steroid hormones, and endogenous prostaglandins. 20‐alpha hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (20α‐HSD; EC.1.1.1.149) enzyme belongs to the family of aldo‐keto reductases. 20α‐HSD predominantly converts progesterone into its biologically inactive form 20α‐hydroxyprogesterone (20α‐OHP), and plays a crucial role in the termination of pregnancy and initiation of parturition. We have been reporting on the molecular characterizations of placental and ovarian 20α‐HSD in the bovine, pig, deer and monkey.In this study, to understand the fundamental function of monkey 20α‐HSD, we created transgenic mice expressing EGFP gene under monkey 20α‐HSD promoter. The EGFP protein was expressed in the placenta and ovary of tg mice during pregnancy. Now, we are trying to elucidate the function by PGF2α, Prolactin, Oxytocin. (Eun‐Bi Seo and Chae‐Won Park were supported by a scholarship from the BK21 Plus Program (31Z20130012928). the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, korea)