The impact of hepatocyte specific Cyp51 disruption on development and sexual dimorphism in mice

Unperturbed cholesterol homeostasis is important for normal development and sexual maturation in mice. Cyp51 is the rate limiting step in the post-lanosteorl part of cholesterol biosynthesis. Unlike the full body knockout, hepatocyte specific Cyp51 knockout mice survive throughout adulthood, however their livers are severly affected. Several of the hepatocyte specific Cyp51 knockout mice develop severe liver injury or die prior to reaching adulthood (from 4-10 weeks of age; designated as runts). We aim to uncover the timing and the mechanistic background governing the liver damage and sex differences.

30

Urlep Ž, Lorbek G, Perše M, Jeruc J, Juvan P, Matz-Soja M, Gebhardt R, Björkhem I, Hall JA, Bonneau R, Littman DR, Rozman D