Mex3c mutation affects lactation through impairing milk ejection in female mice

Biosci Rep. 2020 Dec 23;40(12):BSR20201285. doi: 10.1042/BSR20201285.

Abstract

Mouse Mex3c encodes RNA-binding proteins of variant length through alternative splicing. Its mutation results in multiple defects including growth retardation, perturbed energy balance, and defective antiviral innate immunity. Here we report that Mex3c mutation affects mammary gland development and lactation in female mice. Pups of Mex3c mutant dams die of starvation soon after birth. Milk contents are present in the alveoli but deficient in the ducts of the mammary glands in mutant mice. Mutant mice do not show prolactin or oxytocin deficiency. They also develop myoepithelial cells in the mammary glands. Mex3c is expressed in the mammary gland epithelium. Our data suggest that functional defects in mammary gland epithelium or myoepithelial cells could cause lactation defects.

Keywords: MEX3C; gene trap mouse; lactation; mammary gland.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Female
  • Lactation*
  • Mammary Glands, Animal / growth & development*
  • Mammary Glands, Animal / metabolism
  • Mice, 129 Strain
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Mutant Strains
  • Milk Ejection*
  • Mutation*
  • Organogenesis
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / genetics*
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • MEX3c protein, mouse
  • RNA-Binding Proteins