About Careers Internship MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Ovulation Gene Discovered, Could Be Targeted for Fertility Treatment

by Gopalan on July 20, 2008 at 7:30 PM
 Ovulation Gene Discovered, Could Be Targeted for Fertility Treatment

Canadian and European researchers have discovered the gene that regulates ovulation. The gene, called Lrh1, has the ability to both regulate and block ovulation, they said.

"We discerned that this particular gene is absolutely necessary for the ovulatory process," Bruce Murphy, director of the Animal Research Centre at the Université de Montreal, told CBC News.

Advertisement

"The absence of this particular gene, in this particular cell in the ovary, had a global effect — it disrupted several processes which are necessary for the final event, which is ovulation."

The researchers from Université de Montreal and Université de Louis Pasteur genetically engineered a mouse that had its Lrh1 gene blocked. Murphy said that when these female animals were put into mate with male animals, no babies were born.
Advertisement

Scientists then discovered the animals were not ovulating.

Murphy said that gene performs many functions. These include hormone balance, the preparation of the egg for ovulation, and the actual rupture of the ovarian follicle that releases the egg.

"A pharmaceutical could be developed to target this particular protein and either turn it on or turn it off," he said. "Turn it on to enhance fertility and turn it off if you want contraception."

The research team has been awarded a five-year grant to follow up on the discovery.

The study is published in the July 15 issue of Genes and Development.




Source: Medindia
GPL
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Readings

Latest Women Health News

Reduced Sleep & Activity During Pregnancy Linked to Premature Birth Risk
A higher risk of preterm birth was found to be associated with inadequate sleep and lower physical activity during pregnancy.
Birth Control Pill Pause-Period Steers Mood Dips in Women
During the 7 pill-free days in contraception, women experience anxiety and mental issues similar to menstrual mood swings.
No Link Found Between Four Novel Receptors in Endometrial Cancer and PCOS
In the new study, it remains uncertain if the increased expression of the IGF1 gene in PCOS plays a role in elevating the risk of endometrial cancer.
Obese Women are Prone To Higher Menopause Symptoms
Obese women experience increased severity of menopausal symptoms and reduced effectiveness and relief from hormonal therapy.
Why Women Participate Less in Cardiovascular Rehabilitation?
Cardiovascular rehabilitation, which lowers mortality and readmission rates, is underutilized and less effective in women than in men.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
MediBotMediBot
Greetings! How can I assist you?MediBot
×

Ovulation Gene Discovered, Could Be Targeted for Fertility Treatment Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests