New developmental mechanism of female reproductive organs

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25860143
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: General anatomy (including histology/embryology)
• Research Institution: Ehime University
• Principal Investigator: HARAGUCHI Ryuma 愛媛大学, 医学(系)研究科(研究院), 講師 (00423690)
• Research Collaborator: KITAZAWA Sohei 愛媛大学, 大学院医学系研究科, 教授 (90186239) ; KITAZAWA Riko 愛媛大学, 医学部附属病院, 准教授 (00273780)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: 雌性生殖器 / ヘッジホッグ / 組織系譜 / 遺伝子改変マウス

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In the female reproductive tract (FRT) formation, mullerian duct is a necessary for FRT derevative organs, which are the uterus and part of the vagina. On the other hand, there is also the opinion that male reproductive duct, a Wolffian duct, is required for female reproductive organs. In this research, we revealed that Shh signaling derived from Wolffian duct acts as a signaling molecule organizing FRT formation.In addition, by fate mapping studies using genetic lineage tracing method, we revealed that Shh sigunal responding cells directly contribut to uterus development.

Free Research Field

発生生物学