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Quinton Winger, Jian Huang, Heidi J. Auman, Mark Lewandoski, and Trevor Williams. Biol Reprod 2006; 75:324–333. Published online ahead of print 3 May 2006; DOI 10.1095/biolreprod.106.052407
A multiplicity of zygotic transcription factors Coordinating early development is a complicated job and the penalty of doing it wrong can be abnormal development. Major control is exerted at the level of transcription factors. Winger et al., in a paper appearing on p. 324 of this issue, show that four members of the AP-2 family of transcription factors are expressed during mouse preimplantation development—Tcfap2a, b, c, and e. These are differentially expressed during early development and also in unfertilized oocytes, raising the possibility of function coordinated in a complex manner. This idea was tested by analysis of gene knockouts. Zygotic, but not maternal, Tcfap2c is required for normal preimplantaton development. Furthermore, analysis of double knockouts for Tcfap2a and Tcfap2c revealed a more severe phenotype than either single knockout, suggesting that one can partially compensate for the loss of the other. Dynamic expression patterns and functional redundancy suggest a carefully coordinated program of early transcription.
Testosterone Stimulates Growth and Secretory Activity of the Adult Female Prostate of the Gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus)
Fernanda C.A. Santos, Rodrigo P. Leite, Ana Maria M.G. Custodio, Karina P. Carvalho, Luiz H. Monteiro-Leal, Adriana B. Santos, Rejane M. Goes, Hernandes F. Carvalho, and Sebastiao R. Taboga. Biol Reprod 2006; 75:370–379. Published online ahead of print 7 June 2006; DOI 10.1095/biolreprod.106.051789
A female prostate gland Few people are probably aware that some women have a residual prostate gland, known as Skene's gland. Although extremely rare (less than 0.003% of all genital tract malignancies in women), there are medical cases in which women exhibit severe abnormalities of this tissue including Skene's gland adenocarcinoma. Other cases with a less severe clinical diagnosis, such as cysts, have also been reported. Interestingly, the female gerbil has been found to have a small prostate gland. In a study on p. 370, Santos et al. show that the female gerbil prostate has androgen receptors, can respond to androgens, and can be induced to express prostate specific antigen (PSA)-related antigen. That these cells express a specific antigen helps validate the existence of prostate-like tissue in women. This study has clear clinical relevance for monitoring changes in Skene's gland function and activity in women, especially those presenting high androgens levels associated frequently with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
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