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Pfeffer PL. The first lineage determination in mammals. Dev Biol 2024; 513:12-30. [PMID: 38761966 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2024.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
This review describes in detail the morphological, cytoskeletal and gene expression events leading to the gene regulatory network bifurcation point of trophoblast and inner cell mass cells in a variety of mammalian preimplantation embryos. The interrelated processes of compaction and polarity establishment are discussed in terms of how they affect YAP/WWTR activity and the location and fate of cells. Comparisons between mouse, human, cattle, pig and rabbit embryos suggest a conserved role for YAP/WWTR signalling in trophoblast induction in eutherian animals though the mechanisms for, and timing of, YAP/WWTR activation differs among species. Downstream targets show further differences, with the trophoblast marker GATA3 being a direct target in all examined mammals, while CDX2-positive and SOX2-negative regulation varies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter L Pfeffer
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand.
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2
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Kim SH, Choi KH, Lee M, Lee DK, Lee CK. Porcine OCT4 Reporter System Can Monitor Species-Specific Pluripotency During Somatic Cell Reprogramming. Cell Reprogram 2021; 23:168-179. [PMID: 34037424 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2021.0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined the activity and function of pig OCT4 enhancer in porcine reprogramming cells. Dual fluorescent protein reporter systems controlled by the upstream regulatory region of OCT4, which is one of the master regulators for pluripotency, are widely used in studies of the mechanism of pluripotency. We analyzed how this reporter system functions in fibroblast growth factor (FGF)- or leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF)-dependent reprogrammed porcine pluripotent stem cells using the previously established porcine-specific reporter system. Porcine embryonic fibroblasts were coinfected with the pOCT4-ΔPE-eGFP (distal enhancer [DE]-green fluorescent protein [GFP]) and pOCT4-ΔDE-DsRed2 (proximal enhancer [PE]-red fluorescent protein [RFP]) vectors, and GFP and RFP expression were verified during a DOX-dependent reprogramming process. We demonstrated that the porcine OCT4 DE and PE were activated in different expression patterns simultaneously as changes in the expression of pluripotent marker genes during the establishment of porcine-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Porcine OCT4 upstream region-derived dual fluorescent protein reporter systems confirmed that porcine iPSCs are in primed state after reprogramming in FGF2- or LIF-containing media. This work demonstrates the applicability of porcine OCT4 upstream region-derived dual fluorescence reporter system, which may be applied to investigations of species-specific pluripotency in porcine-origin cells. These reporter systems may be useful tools for studies of porcine-specific pluripotency, early embryo development, and embryonic stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Hun Kim
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Animal Biotechnology Major, and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kwang-Hwan Choi
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Animal Biotechnology Major, and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Mingyun Lee
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Animal Biotechnology Major, and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong-Kyung Lee
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Animal Biotechnology Major, and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chang-Kyu Lee
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Animal Biotechnology Major, and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.,Designed Animal & Transplantation Research Institute, Institute of Green Bio Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Gangwon-do, Korea
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3
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Płusa B, Piliszek A. Common principles of early mammalian embryo self-organisation. Development 2020; 147:147/14/dev183079. [PMID: 32699138 DOI: 10.1242/dev.183079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Pre-implantation mammalian development unites extreme plasticity with a robust outcome: the formation of a blastocyst, an organised multi-layered structure ready for implantation. The process of blastocyst formation is one of the best-known examples of self-organisation. The first three cell lineages in mammalian development specify and arrange themselves during the morphogenic process based on cell-cell interactions. Despite decades of research, the unifying principles driving early mammalian development are still not fully defined. Here, we discuss the role of physical forces, and molecular and cellular mechanisms, in driving self-organisation and lineage formation that are shared between eutherian mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berenika Płusa
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health (FBMH), Division of Developmental Biology & Medicine, University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Anna Piliszek
- Department of Experimental Embryology, Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzebiec, Postepu 36A, 05-552 Magdalenka, Poland
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4
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Estienne A, Brossaud A, Reverchon M, Ramé C, Froment P, Dupont J. Adipokines Expression and Effects in Oocyte Maturation, Fertilization and Early Embryo Development: Lessons from Mammals and Birds. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E3581. [PMID: 32438614 PMCID: PMC7279299 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Some evidence shows that body mass index in humans and extreme weights in animal models, including avian species, are associated with low in vitro fertilization, bad oocyte quality, and embryo development failures. Adipokines are hormones mainly produced and released by white adipose tissue. They play a key role in the regulation of energy metabolism. However, they are also involved in many other physiological processes including reproductive functions. Indeed, leptin and adiponectin, the most studied adipokines, but also novel adipokines including visfatin and chemerin, are expressed within the reproductive tract and modulate female fertility. Much of the literature has focused on the physiological and pathological roles of these adipokines in ovary, placenta, and uterine functions. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current knowledge regarding the involvement of leptin, adiponectin, visfatin, and chemerin in the oocyte maturation, fertilization, and embryo development in both mammals and birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Estienne
- INRAE UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; (A.E.); (A.B.); (C.R.); (P.F.)
- CNRS UMR 7247 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37041 Tours, France
- Institut Français du Cheval et de l’Equitation, Centre INRAE Val de Loire, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Adeline Brossaud
- INRAE UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; (A.E.); (A.B.); (C.R.); (P.F.)
- CNRS UMR 7247 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37041 Tours, France
- Institut Français du Cheval et de l’Equitation, Centre INRAE Val de Loire, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Maxime Reverchon
- SYSAAF-Syndicat des Sélectionneurs Avicoles et Aquacoles Français, Centre INRAE Val de Loire, F-37380 Nouzilly, France;
| | - Christelle Ramé
- INRAE UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; (A.E.); (A.B.); (C.R.); (P.F.)
- CNRS UMR 7247 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37041 Tours, France
- Institut Français du Cheval et de l’Equitation, Centre INRAE Val de Loire, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Pascal Froment
- INRAE UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; (A.E.); (A.B.); (C.R.); (P.F.)
- CNRS UMR 7247 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37041 Tours, France
- Institut Français du Cheval et de l’Equitation, Centre INRAE Val de Loire, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Joëlle Dupont
- INRAE UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; (A.E.); (A.B.); (C.R.); (P.F.)
- CNRS UMR 7247 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37041 Tours, France
- Institut Français du Cheval et de l’Equitation, Centre INRAE Val de Loire, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
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Abstract
Early embryogenesis is characterized by the segregation of cell lineages that fulfill critical roles in the establishment of pregnancy and development of the fetus. The formation of the blastocyst marks the emergence of extraembryonic precursors, needed for implantation, and of pluripotent cells, which differentiate toward the major lineages of the adult organism. The coordinated emergence of these cell types shows that these processes are broadly conserved in mammals. However, developmental heterochrony and changes in gene regulatory networks highlight unique evolutionary adaptations that may explain the diversity in placentation and in the mechanisms controlling pluripotency in mammals. The incorporation of new technologies, including single-cell omics, imaging, and gene editing, is instrumental for comparative embryology. Broadening the knowledge of mammalian embryology will provide new insights into the mechanisms driving evolution and development. This knowledge can be readily translated into biomedical and biotechnological applications in humans and livestock, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramiro Alberio
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom;
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Nachtigal P, Gojová A, Semecký V. The Role of Epithelial and Vascular-Endothelial Cadherin in the Differentiation and Maintance of Tissue Integrity. ACTA MEDICA (HRADEC KRÁLOVÉ) 2019. [DOI: 10.14712/18059694.2019.89] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The present review has focused on the cell adhesion molecules from the cadherin superfamily, in particular on E- and VE-cadherin. In general, cadherins are a large group of cell adhesion molecules located at intercellular junctions called adherent junctions. They play an important role in embryogenesis and morphogenesis in animals and humans due to their adhesive and cell-signalling functions. Disturbances of the expression or function of cadherins and their associated proteins called catenins are crucial for the initiation and development of many pathological states. E-cadherin is an epithelium-specific cadherin that is required for the development and maintenance of the normal function of all epithelial cells in tissues. The loss or down-regulation of E-cadherin is a key event in the process of tumour invasion and metastasis. The assessment of E-cadherin immunoreactivity may be a useful prognostic marker in some cancers, complementary to the established prognostic factors. VE-cadherin is an endothelium-specific cadherin, which plays a relevant role in vascular homeostasis. It has been demonstrated that VE-cadherin is required for normal vasculogenesis, angiogenesis, and for the maintenance of vascular integrity. Disruption of VE-cadherin-catenin complexes by some inflammatory agents such as thrombin, by inflammatory cells, or shear stress is accompanied by an increase in vascular permeabilityin vivoandin vitro.
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Frankenberg SR, de Barros FR, Rossant J, Renfree MB. The mammalian blastocyst. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2016; 5:210-32. [DOI: 10.1002/wdev.220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Revised: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Flavia R.O. de Barros
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology; Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, Hospital for Sick Children; Toronto Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics; University of Toronto; Toronto Canada
| | - Janet Rossant
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology; Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, Hospital for Sick Children; Toronto Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics; University of Toronto; Toronto Canada
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8
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Meinecke-Tillmann S, Meinecke B. Isolation of ES-like cell lines from ovine and caprine preimplantation embryos. J Anim Breed Genet 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0388.1996.tb00632.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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9
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Modina S, Leoni GG, Lodde V, Naitana S, Pirani S, Succu S, Berlinguer F, Luciano AM. Involvement of E-cadherin in early in vitro development of adult and juvenile sheep embryos. Reprod Fertil Dev 2010; 22:468-77. [DOI: 10.1071/rd09125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2009] [Accepted: 09/01/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The oocyte-to-embryo transition in mammals depends on maternal proteins and transcripts, which accumulate during oocyte differentiation. The aim of the present study was to examine the role of the junctional proteins β-catenin and E-cadherin during preimplantation in vitro embryo development in sheep, comparing the competence of adult and prepubertal oocytes. We analysed the concentration of β-catenin and E-cadherin in immature and in vitro-matured oocytes. There was a significant increase in E-cadherin concentration after 24 h of in vitro maturation and this was lower in prepubertal oocytes than in adult ones. We therefore studied the expression and distribution of E-cadherin during the major transition from maternal to embryonic genome. E-cadherin distribution and localisation in sheep was age- and developmental-stage dependent and was related to developmental kinetics. In fact, in adults, the majority of embryos showed the proper distribution of E-cadherin just beneath the membrane surfaces of all blastomeres and the percentage of embryos with this distribution increased with the increase in cell number during development. On the contrary, and regardless of their developmental stage, the majority of prepubertal embryos showed an uneven distribution of the protein, often associated with the occurrence of cellular fragmentation. In conclusion, our results suggest that E-cadherin plays a pivotal role during preimplantation embryo growth in sheep and may be one of the possible cytoplasmic factors involved in the reduced developmental competence of prepubertal female gametes.
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10
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Abstract
BACKGROUND E(epithelial)-cadherin is a vital cell adhesion protein that plays a critical role in morphogenesis. Previous studies of E-cadherin distribution in human embryos have produced equivocal results. METHODS Immunocytochemistry in conjunction with laser scanning confocal microscopy was used to detect E-cadherin in 97 human cleavage stage embryos and 35 blastocysts from normal and abnormal fertilization. An antibody against human placental E-cadherin was used to locate the protein. RESULTS In blastomeres of cleaving embryos on the second and third days following insemination, E-cadherin was located in the cytoplasm--mostly concentrated in the cell margins. On the fourth day of development, the protein was relocated in compacting embryos to membranes in areas of cell-cell contact. In other abnormally compacted or non-compacted embryos with extensive cytoplasmic fragmentation, cell arrest or blastomere multi-nucleation, E-cadherin relocalization was either absent or erratic. In apparently normal blastocysts, E-cadherin in the inner cells was diffuse and cytoplasmic while properly organized trophectoderm cells were surrounded by a band of membrane E-cadherin. Disorganization of trophectoderm was associated with disruption of the regular E-cadherin banding pattern. CONCLUSION As in other mammalian species examined, E-cadherin distribution in human embryos is stage-dependent. Disturbances in the distribution of E-cadherin occur in embryos with cleavage abnormalities and suggest one path to abortive or abnormal blastulation and loss of embryonic viability. The implications of similar changes in the blastocyst are well worth investigating since they could threaten blastocyst integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Alikani
- Institute of Reproduction and Development, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia and Tyho-Galileo Research Laboratories, West Orange, NJ 07052, USA.
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11
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Tao Q, Lloyd B, Lang S, Houston D, Zorn A, Wylie C. A novel G protein-coupled receptor, related to GPR4, is required for assembly of the cortical actin skeleton in early Xenopus embryos. Development 2005; 132:2825-36. [PMID: 15930112 DOI: 10.1242/dev.01866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
As the fertilized Xenopus egg undergoes sequential cell divisions to form a blastula, each cell develops a network of cortical actin that provides shape and skeletal support for the whole embryo. Disruption of this network causes loss of shape and rigidity of the embryo, and disrupts gastrulation movements. We previously showed that lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) signaling controls the change in cortical actin density that occurs at different stages of the cell cycle. Here, we use a gain-of-function screen, using an egg cDNA expression library, to identify an orphan G protein-coupled cell-surface receptor (XFlop) that controls the overall amount of cortical F-actin. Overexpression of XFlop increases the amount of cortical actin, as well as embryo rigidity and wound healing, whereas depletion of maternal XFlop mRNA does the reverse. Both overexpression and depletion of XFlop perturb gastrulation movements. Reciprocal rescue experiments, and comparison of the effects of their depletion in early embryos, show that the XLPA and XFlop signaling pathways play independent roles in cortical actin assembly, and thus that multiple signaling pathways control the actin skeleton in the blastula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghua Tao
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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12
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Kane DA, McFarland KN, Warga RM. Mutations in half baked/E-cadherin block cell behaviors that are necessary for teleost epiboly. Development 2005; 132:1105-16. [PMID: 15689372 DOI: 10.1242/dev.01668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Epiboly, the spreading of the blastoderm over the large yolk cell, is the first morphogenetic movement of the teleost embryo. Examining this movement as a paradigm of vertebrate morphogenesis, we have focused on the epiboly arrest mutant half baked (hab), which segregates as a recessive lethal, including alleles expressing zygotic-maternal dominant (ZMD) effects. Here we show that hab is a mutation in the zebrafish homolog of the adhesion protein E-cadherin. Whereas exclusively recessive alleles of hab produce truncated proteins, dominant alleles all contain transversions in highly conserved amino acids of the extracellular domains, suggesting these alleles produce dominant-negative effects. Antisense oligonucleotides that create specific splicing defects in the hab mRNA phenocopy the recessive phenotypes and, surprisingly, some of the ZMD phenotypes as well. In situ analyses show that during late epiboly hab is expressed in a radial gradient in the non axial epiblast, from high concentrations in the exterior layer of the epiblast to low concentrations in the interior layer of the epiblast. During epiboly, using an asymmetric variant of radial intercalation, epiblast cells from the interior layer sequentially move into the exterior layer and become restricted to that layer; there they participate in subtle cell shape changes that further expand the blastoderm. In hab mutants, when cells intercalate into the exterior layer, they tend to neither change cell shape nor become restricted, and many of these cells 'de-intercalate' and move back into the interior layer. Cell transplantation showed all these defects to be cell-autonomous. Hence, as for the expansion of the mammalian trophoblast at a similar developmental stage, hab/E-cadherin is necessary for the cell rearrangements that spread the teleost blastoderm over the yolk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald A Kane
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA.
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13
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Blomberg LA, Long EL, Sonstegard TS, Van Tassell CP, Dobrinsky JR, Zuelke KA. Serial analysis of gene expression during elongation of the peri-implantation porcine trophectoderm (conceptus). Physiol Genomics 2005; 20:188-94. [PMID: 15536174 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00157.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Conceptus loss during the preimplantation and early postimplantation period hinders the efficiency of swine reproduction. Significant conceptus loss occurs during trophectoderm elongation between gestational day 11 ( D11) and day 12 ( D12). Elongation of the porcine conceptus is a key stage of development during which maternal recognition of pregnancy, initial placental development, and preparation for implantation occurs. The objective of this study was to establish comparative transcriptome profiles of D11 ovoid and D12 filamentous conceptuses and thereby identify temporally regulated genes essential for developmental progression during conceptus elongation. Serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) libraries were constructed from in vivo derived ovoid and filamentous swine conceptuses to yield a total of 42,389 tags (ovoid) and 42,391 tags (filamentous) representing 14,464 and 13,098 putative unique transcripts, respectively. Statistical analysis of tag frequencies revealed the differential expression of 431 tags between libraries ( P < 0.05). Nucleotide sequence alignment searches on public databases provided SAGE tag annotation and gene ontology assignments. Comparisons between the SAGE profiles of ovoid and filamentous conceptuses revealed increased expression of key genes in the steroidogenesis [cytochrome P-450scc ( CYP11A1), aromatase ( CYP19A), and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein ( STAR)] and oxidative stress response pathways [microsomal glutathione S-transferase 1 ( MGST1) and copper-zinc superoxide dismutase ( SOD1)]. Differential expression of these genes in the steroidogenic and oxidative stress response pathways was confirmed by real-time PCR. These results validate the utility of SAGE in the pig and establish an initial model linking gene expression profiles at the pathway level with phenotypic progression from ovoid to filamentous stages of conceptus development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Ann Blomberg
- Biotechnology and Germplasm Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, Maryland 20705, USA.
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14
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Fléchon JE, Degrouard J, Fléchon B. Gastrulation events in the prestreak pig embryo: ultrastructure and cell markers. Genesis 2004; 38:13-25. [PMID: 14755800 DOI: 10.1002/gene.10244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The epithelial versus mesenchymal phenotypes of embryonic ectoderm and mesoderm cells of the prestreak stage pig embryos were examined by electron microscopy and molecular marker analysis. During this period the embryonic disc remained flat or slightly convex while becoming oval or pyriform in shape. Mesenchyme cells expressing vimentin were present between the embryonic disc and the underlying visceral endoderm before a primitive streak (or groove) was apparent. The migration of mesenchyme appeared to occur in lateral and posterior directions from a mass of quiescent cells located in the pointed end of the pyriform embryonic disc that expressed Brachyury; these cells are proposed to be the precursors of the primitive streak and/or form the equivalent of the mouse early gastrula organizer (EGO). Cells with the TEC-1 (or SSEA-1) epitope, the marker most frequently used to characterize pluripotent cells, were initially distributed randomly in the embryonic ectoderm and then were found to localize in an anterior crescent which may contain the precursor cells of ectoderm and neurectoderm. As mitotic figures were found only in the anterior crescent, it is proposed that at least some of these proliferating cells migrate toward the EGO. While cytokeratins were barely detectable in the embryonic ectoderm cells, vimentin expression was supposed to be associated with the migratory capacity of these cells. These findings indicate that the early step of gastrulation, migration of extraembryonic mesoderm, occurs at a prestreak stage during which the embryonic disc becomes polarized. genesis 38:13-25, 2004.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques-E Fléchon
- Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Jouy en Josas, France.
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15
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Blomberg LA, Zuelke KA. Serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) during porcine embryo development. Reprod Fertil Dev 2004. [DOI: 10.1071/rd03081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional genomics provides a powerful means for delving into the molecular mechanisms involved in pre-implantation development of porcine embryos. High rates of embryonic mortality (30%), following either natural mating or artificial insemination, emphasise the need to improve the efficiency of reproduction in the pig. The poor success rate of live offspring from in vitro-manipulated pig embryos also hampers efforts to generate transgenic animals for biotechnology applications. Previous analysis of differential gene expression has demonstrated stage-specific gene expression for in vivo-derived embryos and altered gene expression for in vitro-derived embryos. However, the methods used to date examine relatively few genes simultaneously and, thus, provide an incomplete glimpse of the physiological role of these genes during embryogenesis. The present review will focus on two aspects of applying functional genomics research strategies for analysing the expression of genes during elongation of pig embryos between gestational day (D) 11 and D12. First, we compare and contrast current methodologies that are being used for gene discovery and expression analysis during pig embryo development. Second, we establish a paradigm for applying serial analysis of gene expression as a functional genomics tool to obtain preliminary information essential for discovering the physiological mechanisms by which distinct embryonic phenotypes are derived.
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16
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Fleming TP, Wilkins A, Mears A, Miller DJ, Thomas F, Ghassemifar MR, Fesenko I, Sheth B, Kwong WY, Eckert JJ. Society for Reproductive Biology Founders' Lecture 2003.The making of an embryo: short-term goals and long-term implications. Reprod Fertil Dev 2004. [DOI: 10.1071/rd03070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
During early development, the eutherian mammalian embryo forms a blastocyst comprising an outer trophectoderm epithelium and enclosed inner cell mass (ICM). The short-term goal of blastocyst morphogenesis, including epithelial differentiation and segregation of the ICM, is mainly regulated autonomously and comprises a combination of temporally controlled gene expression, cell polarisation, differentiative cell divisions and cell–cell interactions. This aspect of blastocyst biogenesis is reviewed, focusing, in particular, on the maturation and role of cell adhesion systems. Early embryos are also sensitive to their environment, which can affect their developmental potential in diverse ways and may lead to long-term consequences relating to fetal or postnatal growth and physiology. Some current concepts of embryo–environment interactions, which may impact on future health, are also reviewed.
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17
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Prelle K, Holtz W, Osborn M. Immunocytochemical analysis of vimentin expression patterns in porcine embryos suggests mesodermal differentiation from day 9 after conception. Anat Histol Embryol 2001; 30:339-44. [PMID: 11820402 DOI: 10.1046/j.1439-0264.2001.00341.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The expression of the intermediate filament proteins vimentin and keratin in porcine embryos was studied by whole-mount immunocytochemistry between day 7 and day 11 after conception. Expression of vimentin was first detected in the inner cell mass of about 50% of the 9-day-old embryos. In elongated 11-day-old embryos, cells expressing vimentin were observed in the epiblast (after disappearance of Rauber's membrane) and in cells migrating from the epiblast between the trophoblast and the underlying hypoblast layer. A keratin-positive response was observed in trophectoderm cells at all stages. These findings suggest that inner cell mass cells in the pig start differentiating into mesodermal cells not later than day 9 after conception. While the delamination of the mesodermal germ layer is known to correlate with the loss of pluripotency of the inner cell mass cells, the early onset of mesodermal differentiation in the porcine embryo, characterized by vimentin expression and in contrast to the mouse, could in part be responsible for the lack of success in establishing pluripotent embryonic stem cell lines in this species. Our results suggest that further attempts to isolate inner cell mass-derived pluripotent cells should be attempted well before day 9 after conception.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Prelle
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Georg-August-University Göttingen, and Max Planck-Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Germany.
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Talbot NC, Garrett WM. Ultrastructure of the embryonic stem cells of the 8-day pig blastocyst before and after in vitro manipulation: development of junctional apparatus and the lethal effects of PBS mediated cell-cell dissociation. THE ANATOMICAL RECORD 2001; 264:101-13. [PMID: 11505376 DOI: 10.1002/ar.1141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Ultrastructural examination of 8-day hatched pig blastocysts (large and small), their cultured inner cell mass (ICM), and cultured epiblast tissue (embryonic stem cells) was undertaken to assess the development of epiblast cell junctions and cytoskeletal elements. In small blastocysts, epiblast cells had no desmosomes or tight junction (TJ) connections and few organized microfilament bundles, whereas in large blastocysts the epiblast cells were connected by TJ and desmosomes with associated microfilaments. ICM isolation by immunodissection damaged the endoderm cells beneath the trophectoderm cells but did not appear to damage the epiblast cells or their associated endoderm cells. Epiblast cells in cultured ICMs were similar in character to those in the intact large blastocyst except that perinuclear microfilaments were observed. Isolated pig epiblasts, cultured for approximately 36 hr on STO feeder layers, formed a monolayer whose cells were connected by TJ, adherens junctions and desmosomes with prominent microfilament bundles running parallel to the apical cytoplasmic membranes. Perinuclear microfilaments were a consistent feature in the approximately 36 hr cultured epiblast cells. A feature characteristic of differentiation into notochordal cells, i.e., a solitary cilium, was also observed in the cultured epiblast. Exposure of the cultured epiblast cells to Ca(++)-Mg(++)-free phosphate buffered saline (PBS) for 5-10 min resulted in extensive cell blebbing and lysis. The results may indicate that pig epiblast cells could be more easily dissociated from early blastocysts ( approximately 400 microm in diameter) if immunodissection damage to the ICM can be avoided. It may be difficult, however, to establish them as embryonic stem cell lines because the cultured pig epiblast cells were easily lysed by standard cell-cell dissociation methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- N C Talbot
- USDA, ARS, LPSI, Gene Evaluation and Mapping Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Beltsville, Maryland 20705, USA.
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19
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Abstract
E-cadherin and the associated catenin complex have been recognised as performing a key role in cell adhesion. Loss of cell adhesion is seen as a key step in the cascade leading to tumour metastasis. The ability of both extra- and intracellular factors to regulate E-cadherin-mediated cell adhesion in physiological processes has provided insight into both the interactions of the E-cadherin-catenin complex, and possible mechanisms utilised by tumours in the process of metastasis. The interaction of the E-cadherin-catenin complex with various regulating factors, their effect on cell signalling pathways, and the relationship with the metastatic potential of tumours are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- I R Beavon
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, School of Pathology, South African Institute for Medical Research and University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
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De Sousa PA, Watson AJ, Schultz GA, Bilodeau-Goeseels S. Oogenetic and zygotic gene expression directing early bovine embryogenesis: a review. Mol Reprod Dev 1998; 51:112-21. [PMID: 9712325 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1098-2795(199809)51:1<112::aid-mrd14>3.0.co;2-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- P A De Sousa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
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21
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Moens A, Fléchon B, Degrouard J, Vignon X, Ding J, Fléchon JE, Betteridge KJ, Renard JP. Ultrastructural and immunocytochemical analysis of diploid germ cells isolated from fetal rabbit gonads. ZYGOTE 1997; 5:47-60. [PMID: 9223245 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199400003555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Germ cells were isolated from rabbit fetal gonads between 18 and 22 days post coitum and examined morphologically, ultrastructurally and for immunocytochemical and cytochemical characteristics. Observations were compared with the information available from the corresponding cells of other mammalian species. The general morphology and ultrastructure of healthy isolated rabbit fetal germ cells were found to be very similar to those of the rabbit and mouse diploid germ cells in situ. Moreover, rabbit fetal germ cells shared common immunocytochemical characteristics with mouse undifferentiated embryonic stem cells or embryonic carcinoma cells, such as the presence of TEC-1 (SSEA-1) antigens, a peripheral network of F-actin, the absence of cytokeratins 8/18 and lamins A/C and an alkaline phosphatase activity. No difference between the sexes was observed. Morphological and physiological similarities with the migrating and cultured primordial germ cells of the mouse also suggest that diploid rabbit germ cells would be good candidates for deriving pluripotential embryonic germ cells (EG cells) if favourable culture conditions could be found. In conclusion, the rabbit may be a suitable model for investigations on EG cells in domestic mammals with delayed meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Moens
- Unité de Biologie du Développement, INRA, Jouy-en-Josas, France
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22
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Riento K, Jäntti J, Jansson S, Hielm S, Lehtonen E, Ehnholm C, Keränen S, Olkkonen VM. A sec1-related vesicle-transport protein that is expressed predominantly in epithelial cells. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY 1996; 239:638-46. [PMID: 8774707 DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-1033.1996.0638u.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Sec1-related proteins are involved in docking and fusion of transport vesicles in eukaryotic cells. Here we report the cloning and molecular characterization of a Sec1-related protein expressed in the MDCK epithelial cell line. This protein represents a canine counterpart of the murine Munc-18-2/Munc-18b/muSec1 protein, displays 93% amino acid identity with these proteins, has a similar tissue mRNA expression pattern, and associates in vitro with syntaxins 1A, 2, and 3. In situ hybridization analysis of embryonic mouse tissues revealed prominent expression of the munc-18-2 mRNA in the epithelia of several tissues. Cell-fractionation studies demonstrated that the majority of Munc-18-2 is membrane associated. Most of the protein is washed off the membranes by sodium carbonate, pH 11.5. However, the protein is poorly solubilized by detergent treatment. The Munc-18-2 protein was localized, by immunofluorescence microscopy, to the plasma membrane of MDCK cells, and is apically distributed in the epithelial cells of mouse tissues. When overexpressed in COS-1 cells, the protein appeared to be largely cytosolic. However, upon expression with syntaxin 1A, it displayed a shift to the plasma membrane, where the two proteins colocalized. These results identified Munc-18-2 as a predominantly epithelial vesicle-transport protein with a polarized distribution and provided novel in vivo evidence for the association of Sec1-related proteins with members of the syntaxin family.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Riento
- Department of Biochemistry, National Public Health Institute, Helsinki, Finland
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Gautel M, Lehtonen E, Pietruschka F. Assembly of the cardiac I-band region of titin/connectin: expression of the cardiac-specific regions and their structural relation to the elastic segments. J Muscle Res Cell Motil 1996; 17:449-61. [PMID: 8884600 DOI: 10.1007/bf00123361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The giant molecule titin (also called connectin) provides an elastic connection in the I-band between the Z-disk and A-band of striated muscle. This region is assembled in a tissue-specific way by extensive differential splicing events. We have raised monoclonal antibodies against the two N2-line isoforms of titin and demonstrate that both forms of cardiac I-band titin are constitutively co-expressed in atrial and ventricular muscle. In developing mouse embryos, the expression of the cardiac N2-B isoform remains strictly cardiac-specific and is linked to the expression of the ubiquitous N2-A isoform. The mechanical function of the cardiac N2-line region was investigated ultrastructurally. Immunoelectron microscopy reveals that the N2-B region separates two mechanically distinct sections of titin with a hyperextensible segment spanning the distance to the Z-disk. The formation of a plateau in the extension of cardiac titin rules out that Ig-domains can be unfolded as a mechanism of elasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Gautel
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Biological Structures Division, Heidelberg, Germany
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Shehu D, Marsicano G, Fléchon JE, Galli C. Developmentally regulated markers of in vitro-produced preimplantation bovine embryos. ZYGOTE 1996; 4:109-21. [PMID: 8913024 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199400002987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Expression of various developmentally regulated markers was screened throughout the preimplantation stages of in vitro-derived bovine embryos. This was done by investigating the distribution of several nuclear, cytoplasmic and extracellular proteins by means of immunofluorescence microscopy. While lamin B appeared as a constitutive component of nuclei of all preimplantation stages, lamins A/C had a stage-related distribution. The early cleavage stage nuclei contained lamins A/C which generally disappeared in the following stages, with the possible exception of a few positive nuclei in the morula and early blastocyst stage. In the expanded blastocyst stage the nuclei of trophectoderm cells became positive while no positivity was observed in the inner cell mass cells. Starting from day 6, the appearance and/or polarised distribution of various cytoskeletal and cytoskeleton-related components such as F-actin, alpha-catenin and E-cadherin gave an insight into the timing of events related to compaction of bovine embryos. Compaction was correlated with the first differentiation event, i.e. the formation of trophectoderm; this is the first embryonic epithelium, characterised by cytokeratins and desmoplakin. Extracellular fibronectin was first detected in the early blastocyst stage shortly before the morphological differentiation of primitive endoderm, and in the later stages it was localised at the interface between trophectoderm and extraembryonic endoderm. Laminin and collagen IV were expressed by the endoderm cells and contributed to the extracellular matrix underlying the trophectoderm. This study is a first attempt to characterise the cells of in vitro-derived bovine embryos valid for cell line derivation.
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Scott GA, Liang H, Cassidy LL. Developmental regulation of focal contact protein expression in human melanocytes. PIGMENT CELL RESEARCH 1995; 8:221-8. [PMID: 8610074 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0749.1995.tb00667.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Focal contacts are transmembrane links between the extracellular matrix and the actin cytoskeleton that play a critical role in directed cell migration, adhesion, and normal growth. Several different component proteins of the focal contact show developmentally dependent changes in expression, suggesting that this is an important mechanism by which focal contact formation is controlled during embryogenesis. In this report we examine the expression of focal contact-associated proteins in human fetal and neonatal melanocytes using Western blotting. We show that expression of paxillin, a 69-kDa vinculin binding protein, is fourfold higher in neonatal melanocytes than in fetal melanocytes. Further, we show that talin, a high molecular weight structural protein that links integrins to the actin cytoskeleton, is proteolytically cleaved in fetal, but not in neonatal melanocytes. Immunofluorescence microscopy of cells grown on fibronectin confirmed the presence of paxillin, talin, and vinculin at the ends of actin stress fibers at presumptive focal contacts in melanocytes. Adhesion experiments to extracellular matrix ligands revealed significant differences in adhesion of fetal and neonatal melanocytes to fibronectin. The developmentally specific changes in focal contact protein expression observed suggest that this may be an important mechanism by which focal contact assembly is controlled in human melanocytes during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- G A Scott
- Department of Dermatology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, New York 14642, USA
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