A nuclear transcription factor that is overexpressed in breast and colon cancer has been linked to the regulation of ovulation.

Researchers led by Bruce Murphy at the Animal Research Centre at the University of Montreal have found that the Lrh1 gene is essential in regulating and in blocking ovulation.

The findings, published in Genes & Development last week, could have implications for both contraception and fertility.

"Until this point, the role of Lrh1 in female fertility was unclear, but we have found the gene regulates multiple mechanisms of ovulation and may affect fertilisation," Murphy said.

The research team developed a new type of genetically modified mouse whose Lrh1 gene was selectively blocked in the ovary. They found that deletion of the Lrh1 gene effectively stopped ovulation.

"This discovery means we can envision new contraceptives that selectively stop ovulation," Murphy said. "If created, these new contraceptives would be more effective and produce less side-effects than current steroid-based forms of birth control."

There is also the potential to stimulate ovulation, and eventually conception, he said.