Oxt, encoding oxytocin, is a neuropeptide-hormone gene. Oxytocin is classically known for its roles in milk let-down and uterine contraction during labor. It also plays crucial roles in physiological and behavioral aspects of reproduction, social and emotional behaviors, and is involved in signaling cascades like MAPK, PKC, PLC, or CaMK pathways which converge on transcription factors such as CREB or MEF-2 [1].

In mouse models, depletion or activation of hypothalamic Oxt-producing neurons could augment or suppress colitis-associated cancer (CAC) progression respectively, suggesting that these neurons regulate CAC progression by modulating neuronal activity in the celiac-superior mesenteric ganglion [2].

In conclusion, Oxt is essential for multiple biological functions, especially in reproduction and social-emotional behaviors. The study of Oxt in mouse models has revealed its potential role in colorectal cancer, providing insights into possible therapeutic strategies for this disease.

References:

1. Jurek, Benjamin, Neumann, Inga D. . The Oxytocin Receptor: From Intracellular Signaling to Behavior. In Physiological reviews, 98, 1805-1908. doi:10.1152/physrev.00031.2017. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29897293/

2. Pan, Susu, Yin, Kaili, Tang, Zhiwei, Xu, Ningzhi, Zhang, Guo. 2021. Stimulation of hypothalamic oxytocin neurons suppresses colorectal cancer progression in mice. In eLife, 10, . doi:10.7554/eLife.67535. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34528509/