Centromere protein b-null mice display decreasing reproductive performance through successive generations of breeding due to diminishing endometrial glands

Reproduction. 2004 Mar;127(3):367-77. doi: 10.1530/rep.1.00102.

Abstract

Centromere protein B is a highly conserved constitutive protein found at centromeres. Gene knockout studies in mice have unexpectedly identified Cenpb as a candidate gene involved in uterine function. The present study further explores the role of Cenpb in mice by intermating Cenpb-null mice over several generations. Breeding studies and analysis of uterine tissue indicate that Cenpb-null mice lose reproductive fitness over a number of generations due to a significant reduction in endometrial glands. These results suggest that Cenpb may play an important function in the short- and long-term maintenance of uterine integrity.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autoantigens*
  • Breeding
  • Centromere Protein B
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone / analysis
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone / genetics
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone / physiology*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins*
  • Endometrium / metabolism*
  • Endometrium / pathology
  • Female
  • Genomics
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Organ Size / genetics
  • Ovary / pathology
  • Ovary / transplantation
  • Reproduction / physiology*

Substances

  • Autoantigens
  • Cenpb protein, mouse
  • Centromere Protein B
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone
  • DNA-Binding Proteins