HUMAN GENE CRITICAL TO FERTILITY

摘要

Disclosed herein are novel nucleic acid and protein sequences that are essential to fertility. In particular, human Mater cDNA and protein sequence s are provided. Functional MATER is required for female fertility; zygotes tha t arise from Mater null oocytes do not progress beyond the two-cell stage. Methods are described for using Mater molecules in diagnoses, prognosis, and treatment of fertility and reduced fertility. Also provided are methods for using MATER as a contraceptive agent. The disclosure also describes compound s involved in such methods, and the identification of such compounds.