Alpha-fetoprotein, the Major Fetal Serum Protein, is Not Essential for Embryonic Development but is Required for Female Fertility

Overview

Journal Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A

Specialty Science

Date 2002 Sep 26

PMID 12297623

Citations 42

Authors

Philippe Gabant

Lesley Forrester

Jennifer Nichols

Thierry van Reeth

Christelle De Mees

Bernard Pajack

Alistair Watt

Johan Smitz

Henri Alexandre

Claude Szpirer

Josiane Szpirer

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The alpha-fetoprotein gene (Afp) is a member of a multigenic family that comprises the related genes encoding albumin, alpha-albumin, and vitamin D binding protein. The biological role of this major embryonic serum protein is unknown although numerous speculations have been made. We have used gene targeting to show that AFP is not required for embryonic development. AFP null embryos develop normally, and individually transplanted homozygous embryos can develop in an AFP-deficient microenvironment. Whereas mutant homozygous adult males are viable and fertile, AFP null females are infertile. Our analyses of these mice indicate that the defect is caused by a dysfunction of the hypothalamic/pituitary system, leading to anovulation.

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