| 研究実績の概要 |
We investigate the reproductive aging process in mice and its implications for pregnancy complications. We have observed that aged pregnant mice experience difficulties during pregnancy, including prolonged labor and increased fetal loss, due to insufficient progesterone withdrawal in late pregnancy. This withdrawal is essential for triggering the onset of labor by activating genes involved in myometrial contraction. Through analyzing the gene expression profiles of myometrial tissue from young and aged pregnant mice, we have identified differences in genetic and epigenetic markers associated with labor onset. Additionally, we have discovered a novel target gene related to labor initiation and duration, TCF23, a Class II Basic Helix-Loop-Helix protein, showing its involvement in obstructed labor in mice. in 2023. I finalized the analysis of Tcf23 knockout mice, we observed poor responsiveness of the myometrium to remodeling and contraction. RNA-seq analysis of knockout myometrium revealed a downregulation of ECM-related genes. Additionally, we identified molecules that bind to TCF23 and control myometrial function, along with downstream targets.
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