Thesis
Forkhead box A2 (FOXA2) and fibroblast growth factor two (FGFR2) in female reproductive tract development
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2015
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/102696
Abstract
A functional female reproductive tract (FRT) is fundamental to fertility in mammals since it provides the niche for fertilization, embryo implantation, and fetal development. Organogenesis of the FRT progresses from a pair of embryonic Müllerian ducts (MD) and is complete at birth; however, the uterus is not fully differentiated at birth, particularly lacking glands of the endometrium. During the first two weeks of postnatal life, the FRT undergoes morphogenesis to ensure proper organization and reach full functional capacity. There remain significant gaps in our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms governing FRT development. Aims of this thesis are: determine the role of forkhead box A2 (Foxa2) and fibroblast growth factor receptor two (Fgfr2) in the development of the FRT in mice. Those objectives were addressed by: (1) conditional deletion of Foxa2 and Fgfr2 using progesterone receptor (PGR) Cre recombinase in PGR expressing cells of the FRT after birth; and (2) conditional deletion of Foxa2 and Fgfr2 in epithelial cells of the fetal MD using wingless-type MMTV integration site family member 7A (Wnt7a) Cre recombinase. Results of these studies established that: (1) Foxa2 is required for gland development; (2) Fgfr2 is required to maintain uterine epithelium morphology, and is involved in the outgrowth and development of the forelimb and hindlimb; and (3) loss of Fgfr2 using Wnt7aCre results in perinatal lethality, and may elicit feminization of the male external genitalia. Collectively, these results support the role for Foxa2 in postnatal uterine gland development, while Fgfr2 maintains the luminal epithelium identity in the uterus and is involved in limb outgrowth and phalange patterning; and male external genitalia differentiation in the fetus.
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Details
- Title
- Forkhead box A2 (FOXA2) and fibroblast growth factor two (FGFR2) in female reproductive tract development
- Creators
- Brenda Louise Jesernig
- Contributors
- Thomas E. Spencer (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Animal Sciences, Department of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; [Pullman, Washington] :
- Identifiers
- 99900525167401842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis