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Control of oxytocin receptor gene expression

Reference	S07948
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor Anthony Flint
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors	Prof. Claire Wathes
Institution	University of Nottingham
Department	Sch of Biosciences
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	137,075
Status	Completed
Type	Research Grant
Start date	01/09/1997
End date	01/09/1999
Duration	24 months

Abstract

The endometrial oxytocin receptor plays a central role in the endocrine processes leading to ovarian cyclicity and the successful establishment of pregnancy, but we do not understand how its expression is controlled. Oxytocin receptor genes have been sequenced in man, rat, cow, pig and mouse, and 3 groups of response elements have been identified in their upstream or intronic regions: half-palindromic oestrogen response elements (the activity of which is uncertain), acute phase protein response elements controlled by cytokines, and NF-kappaB sites (which are inhibited by interferon via protein kinase C). Using reporter gene constructs and electromobility retardation assays we will determine which of these enhancer sequences are functional. In vitro cultures will identify which cytokines and other agents are active in whole cell systems. We will use bovine tissues and sequences in view of the economic significance of early embryonic loss in cattle, which is a consequence of abnormalities in oxytocin receptor function.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Animal Sciences (AS)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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