| First Author | Usongo M | Year | 2012 |
| Journal | Reproduction | Volume | 144 |
| Issue | 6 | Pages | 669-76 |
| PubMed ID | 23006471 | Mgi Jnum | J:195947 |
| Mgi Id | MGI:5486262 | Doi | 10.1530/REP-12-0291 |
| Citation | Usongo M, et al. (2012) beta-Catenin/Tcf signaling in murine oocytes identifies nonovulatory follicles. Reproduction 144(6):669-76 |
| abstractText | WNTS are secreted glycoprotein molecules that signal through one of three signaling pathways. The best-characterized pathway involves stabilization of the multifunctional protein beta-catenin, which in concert with members of the T-cell factor (Tcf) family activates specific gene transcription. We have examined putative Wnt/beta-catenin in the murine ovary using transgenic mice harboring a reporter construct that activates beta-galactosidase (lacZ) expression in response to beta-catenin/Tcf binding (TopGal mice). Primordial and primary follicles did not stain for lacZ, and the proportion of beta-catenin/Tcf signaling oocytes was lower than that of nonsignaling oocytes throughout estrous cycle. beta-Catenin/Tcf signaling oocytes were observed in follicles from the secondary stage of development and their proportion increased with follicular maturation (secondary follicles, 20%; early antral and antral follicles, 70%). In contrast, the majority (>90%) of ovulated oocytes did not stain for lacZ. As the oocyte possesses components for WNT signal transduction, our data suggest that beta-catenin/Tcf signaling is involved in the development of follicular ovulatory capability and identifies nonovulatory follicles. |
