Reduced fertility with impairment of early-stage embryos observed in mice lacking Lgr4 in epithelial tissues

Lgr4 is one of the genes identified as novel G protein-coupled receptor genes designated Lgr4-Lgr8, with high homology with FSH receptor, LH receptor, and TSH receptor genes, but studies of Lgr4-mutant mice have suggested that Lgr4 has essential functions in development. This is the first report describing the relationship between the functions of Lgr4 and female reproductive systems. (Fertil Steril (R) 2010;94:2878-81. (C) 2010 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)