242: AAV9-fcMISv2 gene therapy prevents pregnancy in female cats

Godin P et al., Nature Communications - A single intramuscular injection of an AAV9 vector encoding feline anti‑Müllerian hormone (fcMISv2) in prepubertal kittens produced sustained supraphysiological AMH, was well tolerated, and prevented breeding‑induced ovulation and pregnancy in adult females. Key terms: gene therapy, anti-Müllerian hormone, feline sterilization, adeno-associated virus, population control.

Study Highlights:
Twelve 2–3 month-old kittens received a single IM dose of AAV9-fcMISv2 (low or high dose) or empty AAV9 and were monitored for up to 21 months for females and 10 months for males. Treated animals showed rapid viral clearance, no clinically significant systemic inflammation or growth impairment, and no anti‑AMH antibody response. Females developed sustained elevated AMH, had reduced fecal estrogen and progestogen metabolites, increased circulating LH, lacked luteal phases, displayed altered estrous behavior, and none of the treated females became pregnant during a year-later 4‑month mating trial. Males completed puberty, maintained normal testis development, semen parameters, and in vitro fertilizing capacity, indicating preserved male fertility.

Conclusion:
Prepubertal intramuscular delivery of AAV9-fcMISv2 is a safe, durable, female-specific sterilant in domestic cats that prevents breeding-induced ovulation and pregnancy while sparing male reproductive function

Music:
Enjoy the music based on this article at the end of the episode.

Article title:
Gene therapy delivery of anti‑Müllerian hormone in prepubertal female domestic cats induces long-term sterilization.

First author:
Godin P

Journal:
Nature Communications

DOI:
10.1038/s41467-025-65780-2

Reference:
Godin P., Nagykery N., Sicher N., Barnes J. L., Miller A. G., Bunner C., Thompson A. K., Kano M., Gao G., Wang D., Donahoe P. K., Rhodes L., Brake D. A., Conlon T. J., Swanson W. F., Vansandt L. M. & Pépin D. Gene therapy delivery of anti‑Müllerian hormone in prepubertal female domestic cats induces long-term sterilization. Nat Commun. 2025;16:10747. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-65780-2

License:
This episode is based on an open-access article published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0) – https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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QC:
This episode was checked against the original article PDF and publication metadata for the episode release published on 2025-12-28.

QC Scope:
- article metadata and core scientific claims from the narration
- excludes analogies, intro/outro, and music
- transcript coverage: Audited the transcript portions describing vectored contraception, prepubertal kitten treatment, sustained AMH production, safety in both sexes, mating trial outcomes, hormonal and uterine changes, and observed behavioral aspects.
- transcript topics: Vectored contraception and AMH target; Prepubertal AAV9-fcMISv2 administration in kittens; Safety and immunogenicity in cats; Durable AMH production and pharmacokinetics; Block of ovulation and absence of luteal phases; Mating trial outcomes and pregnancy prevention

QC Summary:
- factual score: 10/10
- metadata score: 10/10
- supported core claims: 8
- claims flagged for review: 0
- metadata checks passed: 4
- metadata issues found: 0

Metadata Audited:
- article_doi
- article_title
- article_journal
- license

Factual Items Audited:
- Prepubertal AAV9-fcMI...

Chapters

• (00:00:00) - A single shot, long term contraceptive for cats
• (00:05:29) - The AMH treatment in cats
• (00:07:31) - AMH completely abrogated ovulation in cats
• (00:08:53) - Gene therapy for women's uterine health
• (00:09:31) - African cats: Sterilization by blocking ovulation
• (00:12:53) - Signal to Stillness