Characterization of Pgrmcs and mPRs in oocyte maturation and ovulation in zebrafish

Abstract

Major Department: Biology Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program in Biological Sciences It is well known that progestins initiate important reproductive processes such as oocyte maturation and ovulation in vertebrates. Progestins exert functions through binding to progestin receptors. At least three families of progestin receptors including nuclear progestin receptor (Pgr), progestin receptor membrane components (Pgrmcs), and membrane progestin receptors (mPRs) may mediate these actions of progestins. However, knockout studies of these purported progestin receptors in oocyte maturation and ovulation are still rare. The main objective of this study is to determine in vivo functions of these purported progestin receptors, especially in oocyte maturation and ovulation via individual and combined knockouts of these progestin receptors. We found involvements of Pgr, Pgrmcs, and mPRs in oocyte maturation and oocyte ovulation in zebrafish.