Generating different genetic expression patterns in the early embryo: insights from the mouse model

REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE

卷:27

Article

Bruce, Alexander W.^1,2 

[1] Univ South Bohemia, Fac Sci, Dept Mol Biol, Lab Dev Biol & Genet, Ceske Budejovice 37005, Budweis, Czech Republic

[2] Czech Acad Sci Ceske Budejovice, Ctr Biol, Inst Entomol, Ceske Budejovice 37005, Budweis, Czech Republic

关键词: cell fate;    preimplantation embryo;    probabilistic;    regulative development;    stochastic;    transcription;   

DOI  :  10.1016/j.rbmo.2013.03.024

来源: Elsevier

【 摘 要 】

The divergence of two differentiating extraembryonic cell types (trophectoderm and primitive endoderm) from the pluripotent epiblast population (the source of fetal progenitor cells) by the blastocyst stage of mouse development relies upon the activation and execution of lineage-specific gene expression programmes. While our understanding of the central transcription factor 'effectors' directing these cell-fate choices has accumulated rapidly, what is less clear is how the differential expression of such genes within the diverging lineages is initially generated. This review summarizes and consolidates current understanding. I introduce the traditional concept and importance of a cell's spatial location within the embryo, referencing recent mechanistic and molecular insights relating to cell fate. Additionally, I address the growing body of evidence that suggests that heterogeneities among blastomeres precede, and possibly inform, their spatial segregation in the embryo. I also discuss whether the origins of such early heterogeneity are stochastic and/or indicative of intrinsic properties of the embryo. Lastly, I argue that the robustness and regulative capacity of preimplantation embryonic development may reflect the existence of multiple converging, if not wholly redundant, mechanisms that act together to generate the necessary diversity of inter-cell-lineage gene expression patterns. (C) 2013, Reproductive Healthcare Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

【 授权许可】

Free