Investigating the Link between the ICER Protein and Ovulation in Zebrafish Models

ICER is a transcription factor that negatively regulates the expression of genes. In the ovaries, ICER protein downregulates the cAMP pathway, which leads to the production of the estrogen hormone, which in turn regulates ovulation. Our laboratory has demonstrated an increased number of ovulated eggs in a mouse model for ovarian-specific ICER expression. The cellular and molecular mechanisms for these observations are yet to be determined. We have recently developed an ovarian-specific ICER transgenic zebrafish to further study these observations. Our preliminary results suggested that as in mice, ICER caused increased ovulation in zebrafish. We are currently investigating the physiological consequences of ICER over-expression in zebrafish ovaries. These studies may lead to the development of new technologies in the field of agricultural livestock and aquaculture where higher ovulation rates are desired. Further research in this area could also lead to the development of novel reproductive technologies.