›› 2018, Vol. 45 ›› Issue (4): 1002-1008.doi: 10.16431/j.cnki.1671-7236.2018.04.021

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Research Progress on NLRP7 Gene in Maternal Imprinting

LI Guangdong1, CUI Wei2, TIAN Xiuzhi3, LV Dongying1, JI Pengyun1, LIU Guoshi1   

  1. 1. College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China;
    2. Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College, London W120 NN, Britain;
    3. Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
  • Received:2017-10-13 Online:2018-04-20 Published:2018-04-25

Abstract:

Nucleotide binding oligomerization domain-like receptors (NLRs) family is similar to Tol-like receptors (TLRs) family,which is well conserved,exists not only in plants but also in animals,and plays important roles in the innate immune system.NLRs family comprises many subfamilies,in which NACHT,LRR and PYD domains-containing protein 7 (NLRP7),a member of NLRP subfamily, which is expressed in a variety of immune cells and immune organs,and participates in cell growth,proliferation,differentiation,apoptosis and immune response(inflammation).NLRP7 was not only expressed in the immune system but also expressed in the mammalian testis and ovary of the reproductive system as well as early embryos,and NLRP7 mutations usually cause the human family recurrent hydatidiform mole disease,resulting in pregnancy failure.Recent studies have found that NLRP7 is a maternal imprinted gene,and the abnormal imprinting status of NLRP7 is closely related to the abnormal embryonic development.Although the hydatidiform mole disease has not been found in large animals such as pigs,cattle and sheep,many unexplained abortion,stillbirth and so on may be related to the mutation of NLRP7.NLRP7 has degraded in mice and other rodents during the evolution process,so the current studies of NLRP7 mainly focus on the primates.This paper reviews the latest research progress about NLRP7 in order to provide reference for the exploration of mammals reproductive disorders and other diseases.

Key words: maternal imprinted gene; NLRP7 gene; reproduction

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