Investigating the Role of Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptor IB and Putative Ligands in Reproductive Development and Steroidogenic Regulation in Male Mice

Abstract

The aim of this research is to elucidate the function of BMPR-IB using passive neutralization of BMPR-IB in vivo and in vitro placing specific attention to its role in the male reproductive system, given the importance of BMPR-IB in females and the lack of publications available for its function in males. BMP and BMP receptor mRNA expression was also screened in male reproductive tissues to establish the presence and relative quantitation of these genes. We hypothesize that BMPR-IB has important roles in male reproduction based on a limited amount research investigating BMPs and their receptors in this area and the fact that the receptor has crucial roles in females. The significance of any findings could be translated in numerous fields and includes a greater understanding of normal male reproductive physiology, a better understanding of abnormalities present in male infertility and cancer of male reproductive organs as well as the identification of possible future therapeutic targets.