Rhox1, a gene within the reproductive homeobox on the X chromosome (RHOX) gene family, has a crucial role in reproduction. The RHOX genes, which are conserved in mammals, are involved in regulating the progression of embryonic development and have key functions in gametogenesis [1,2].

In mouse models, Rhox genes are mainly expressed in reproductive tissues. Rhox1, in particular, has been found to play a role in the differentiation of primordial germ cells and in spermatogenesis [1]. These findings from in vivo studies in mice suggest that Rhox1 is essential for normal reproductive processes, highlighting the value of mouse models in functional studies of this gene.

In conclusion, Rhox1 is an important gene in the RHOX family, with essential functions in reproduction, especially in primordial germ cell differentiation and spermatogenesis. The use of KO/CKO mouse models has provided valuable insights into these functions, which may be relevant to understanding infertility and other reproductive-related diseases [1].

References:

1. Le Beulze, Morgane, Daubech, Cécile, Balde-Camara, Aissatu, Ghieh, Farah, Vialard, François. 2023. Mammal Reproductive Homeobox (Rhox) Genes: An Update of Their Involvement in Reproduction and Development. In Genes, 14, . doi:10.3390/genes14091685. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37761825/

2. Lee, Sang-Eun, Lee, Su-Yeon, Lee, Kyung-Ah. 2013. Rhox in mammalian reproduction and development. In Clinical and experimental reproductive medicine, 40, 107-14. doi:10.5653/cerm.2013.40.3.107. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24179867/