Dlk1-deficient mice achieve puberty despite low body weight and low levels of leptin and kisspeptin.

Investigation of pubertal timing in Dlk1 knockout mice with global or selective CNS deletion compared to controls

“We investigated pubertal timing in Dlk1 knockout (KO) mice with either global or selective central nervous system (CNS) deletion of Dlk1, compared with control mice.”

Dlk1 knockout mice and control mice

“We investigated pubertal timing in Dlk1 knockout (KO) mice with either global or selective central nervous system (CNS) deletion of Dlk1, compared with control mice.”

Dlk1KO females reached puberty at the same age as controls despite lower body weight

“Dlk1KO females reached puberty at the same age as controls, despite lower body weight.”

Dlk1KO males had delayed preputial separation but reached puberty at significantly lower body weight

“Dlk1KO males had delayed preputial separation but, like females, reached puberty at significantly lower body weight.”

Selective Dlk1 deletion in neurons and glial cells did not affect pubertal timing

“Selective Dlk1 deletion in neurons and glial cells did not affect pubertal timing.”