Masami Kanai‐Azuma

Selective depletion of AMH-expressing granulosa cells in vivo impairs follicular development and fertility in female mice

Ectopic hAMH-driven SOX17 expression induces hyperplastic Sertoli valve formation in mouse testes

This study shows that ectopic SOX17 in Sertoli cells promotes Sertoli valve formation and partially rescues infertility in Sox17-null mice.

Targeting of retrovirus-derived Rtl8a/8b reduces social response and increases apathy-like behavior associated with GABRB2 reduction

This study shows that knocking out Rtl8a and Rtl8b in mice leads to reduced social behavior, increased apathy, and obesity, likely due to decreased GABRB2 expression in the brain.

Targeting retrovirus-derived Rtl8a and 8b causes late onset obesity and neurodevelopmental defects

This study shows that Rtl8a and Rtl8b double knockout mice develop late-onset obesity and neurodevelopmental defects, indicating these retrovirus-derived genes are important for brain function.

Sox17 downstream gene Rasip1 is involved in the hematopoietic activity of intra-aortic hematopoietic clusters in the midgestation mouse embryo

This study identifies Rasip1 as a downstream target of Sox17 that enhances hematopoietic activity in intra-aortic hematopoietic clusters of midgestation mouse embryos.

Self-activation of Wnt signaling in pre-granulosa cells is required for ovarian folliculogenesis

This study shows that Wnt signaling in pre-granulosa cells is essential for follicle activation and oocyte maturation, with a two-step model involving self-activation of Wnt and subsequent support of oocyte reawakening.

Sox17 expression in endocardium precursor cells regulates heart development in mice

This study shows that Sox17 expression in cardiac progenitor cells biases their fate toward the endocardium and regulates myocardium development through NOTCH signaling in mice.

Nr5a1 suppression during the fetal period optimizes ovarian development by fine-tuning of Notch signaling

This paper shows that Nr5a1 suppression during fetal development optimizes ovarian development by fine-tuning Notch signaling, using mouse models with altered Nr5a1 expression.