Sensory neuron LKB1 mediates ovarian and reproductive function
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Treatments for reproductive disorders in women primarily consist of hormone replacement therapy, which can have negative health impacts. Bidirectional communication between sensory neurons and innervated organs is an emerging area of interest in tissue physiology with potential relevance for reproductive disorders. Indeed, the metabolic activity of sensory neurons can have profound effects on reproductive phenotypes. To investigate this phenomenon, we utilized a murine model with conditional deletion in sensory neurons of liver kinase B1 (LKB1), a serine/threonine kinase that regulates cellular metabolism. Female mice with this LKB1 deletion (Na v 1.8cre;LKB1 fl/fl ) had significantly more pups per litter compared to wild-type females. Interestingly, the LKB1 genotype of male breeders had no effect on fertility outcomes, thus indicating a female-specific role of sensory neuron metabolism in fertility. LKB1 deletion in sensory neurons resulted in reduced ovarian innervation from dorsal root ganglia neurons and increased follicular turnover compared to littermate controls. In summary, LKB1 expression in peripheral sensory neurons plays an important role in modulating fertility of female mice via ovarian sensory innervation.
Source: Scientific Reports
Institution: The University of Texas at Dallas
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,590
Funders: Rita Allen Foundation, University of Texas at Dallas, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
OpenAlex ID: W4404656695