小鼠胚胎Sry基因的RNA干涉研究

为了研究Sry基因的调控网络,采用siRNA技术使Sry基因沉默,探讨了有效沉默Sry基因的途径和最佳条件.设计、合成针对小鼠Sry基因的发夹状寡核苷酸链,退火后连入真核表达载体pSilencer4.1-CMVneovector,构建以小鼠Sry基因为靶点的siRNA干涉载体pSilencer4.1/Sry217及pSilencer4.1/Sry565,通过尾静脉注射法将载体质粒导入妊娠小鼠体内,于小鼠妊娠第11.5天,即11.5dpc(dayspostcoitum,性交后天数)取出胚胎,采用双重PCR法对胚胎进行性别鉴定,鉴定为雄性的胚胎采用半定量RT-PCR法检测Sry基因的表达量,研究不同干扰序列、不同注射时间及注射剂量对Sry基因表达量的影响.研究结果,确定了质粒的最佳注射时间为9.5dpc,注射剂量为20μg,注射干扰质粒pSilencer4.1/Sry565对Sry基因的抑制效率达85%左右.结果表明,siRNA可以显著抑制雄性胚胎Sry基因的表达.     

遗传谱系示踪技术揭示小鼠胚胎前体心外膜向心外膜转化过程

心外膜的形成是胚胎心脏发育的关键生理过程之一。利用遗传谱系示踪技术示踪观察前体心外膜向心外膜细胞转化过程,具有重要的科学研究价值。本研究拟利用Tbx18+前体/心外膜祖细胞遗传谱系示踪模型,揭示胚胎心外膜的起源及前体心外膜向心外膜转化的过程。利用整胚和切片原位杂交技术揭示,Tbx18 mRNA特异性表达于胚龄（E）9.5 d小鼠胚胎前体心外膜;故Tbx18是前体心外膜的特异性标记基因。利用整胚X-Gal染色,揭示报告基因Lacz在E9.5 d遗传谱系示踪模型鼠胚前体心外膜中大量表达,此时报告基因从前体心外膜逐渐迁移并开始少量表达于心外膜。Lacz在E10～E10.5 d双杂合鼠胚前体心外膜中表达逐渐减少,而在心外膜组织中逐渐增多;在E11.5 d,报告基因在前体心外膜中表达基本消失,而在心外膜组织中大量表达。切片进行X-Gal染色也揭示,报告基因Lacz定位于早期胚胎前体心外膜及心外膜。免疫荧光染色证实,早期胚胎心外膜细胞呈现未分化的祖细胞状态。通过报告基因的表达变化模式揭示,胚胎心外膜的形成经历了启动、转化、完成3个阶段;E9.5～11.5 d左右这个时间段发生的前体心外膜向心外膜转化,可能是心外膜形成的主要来源和形式。     

3110009F21Rik基因在小鼠胚胎发育中的表达研究

目的:探讨小鼠胚胎发育过程中3110009F21Rik基因的时空特异性表达模式,为后续功能研究奠定基础。方法:对E15.5小鼠胚胎脑组织进行印记分析,检测基因的印记表达状态;应用全胚胎和组织原位杂交技术检测3110009F21Rik基因在E9.5~E15.5小鼠胚胎中的特异性时空表达模式。结果:印记分析显示3110009F21Rik基因在E15.5脑组织中为父母本等位基因双表达;原位杂交结果显示3110009F21Rik基因在E9.5~E15.5脑组织中持续表达,在E9.5~E11.5主要脏器中未检测到,但自E12.5开始在主要脏器中持续表达,随着发育进程进行,目的基因在胚胎骨骼中的相对表达水平逐步升高,至E15.5阶段大部分骨骼中都检测到目的基因表达。结论:3110009F21Rik基因在脑组织中的持续表达和表达模式的动态变化提示其可能参与胚胎发育过程中大脑神经网络的构建,其在软骨原基和软骨中的相对表达逐渐增强表明其可能参与了小鼠胚胎过程中骨的发育和形成及软骨分化。     

siRNA介导Sry基因沉默对小鼠胚胎性别决定基因表达的影响

为研究Sry基因的调控网络, 采用siRNA表达载体介导的RNAi技术, 特异性地抑制睾丸决定因子Sry在小鼠胚胎中的表达, 并观察Sry基因沉默后对在两性性腺分化中起重要作用的Wt1, Sf1, Dax1, Gata4, Sox9及Amh基因表达的影响。利用本课题组先前构建的siRNA重组表达载体(pSilencer4.1/Sry217及pSilencer4.1/Sry565), 通过尾静脉注射法导入妊娠9.5天(9.5 dpc)的母鼠体内, 在11.5 dpc时取胚胎, 对性别鉴定为雄性的胚胎以RT-PCR法和Western-blot检测Sry基因的表达抑制效果, 并同时用定量PCR法检测Wt1等上述性别决定相关基因表达变化情况。结果表明, 注射干扰质粒后48 h Sry基因的mRNA和蛋白表达水平均降低, 其中siRNA表达质粒pSilencer 4.1/Sry 565的抑制效果显著, 可达到80%的抑制率。Sry基因沉默后, Wt1基因表达量显著升高; Sf1, Dax1, Gata4, Sox9基因表达水平没有明显变化; Amh基因无表达。试验结果表明, Sry基因表达抑制会导致Wt1基因表达升高; 另外, Sry基因激活Sox9基因的表达可能需要其他的辅助因子协同作用。     

小鼠胚胎Sry基因的RNA干涉研究

为了研究 Sry 基因的调控网络,采用 siRNA 技术使 Sry 基因沉默,探讨了有效沉默 Sry 基因的途径和最佳条件. 设计、合成针对小鼠 Sry 基因的发夹状寡核苷酸链,退火后连入真核表达载体pSilencer 4.1-CMV neo vector,构建以小鼠 Sry 基因为靶点的 siRNA 干涉载体 pSilencer 4.1/Sry217及 pSilencer 4.1/Sry565,通过尾静脉注射法将载体质粒导入妊娠小鼠体内,于小鼠妊娠第 11.5 天,即 11.5 dpc (days post coitum,性交后天数) 取出胚胎,采用双重 PCR 法对胚胎进行性别鉴定,鉴定为雄性的胚胎采用半定量 RT-PCR 法检测Sry 基因的表达量,研究不同干扰序列、不同注射时间及注射剂量对 Sry 基因表达量的影响. 研究结果,确定了质粒的最佳注射时间为 9.5 dpc,注射剂量为 20 μg,注射干扰质粒 pSilencer 4.1/Sry565 对 Sry基因的抑制效率达 85% 左右. 结果表明,siRNA 可以显著抑制雄性胚胎 Sry 基因的表达.     

乙烯利暴露对早孕小鼠子宫内膜蜕膜化的影响

该研究主要探讨乙烯利(ethephon,ETH)暴露对早孕小鼠子宫内膜蜕膜化的影响.从孕第一天开始每天经口灌胃给予CD1小鼠0、71.25、142.5和285 mg/kg ETH后,于孕第七天处死小鼠.观察子宫胚胎着床数量,记录子宫重量及体重,采用酶联免疫吸附实验(enzyme linked im-munesorben...     

大鼠E12.5胰腺间质细胞原代培养及鉴定

目的:体外分离培养大鼠胚胎胰腺间质细胞(pancreas mesenchymal cells).方法:以孕12.5天(E12.5)的大鼠胚胎为组织来源,通过显微分离得到E12.5的胚胎胰腺,在鼠尾胶原包覆的六孔板内进行组织块培养,观察培养过程中胰芽的形态变化,间质细胞的长出,并用细胞免疫荧光的方法对间质细胞进行了鉴定.结果:显微分离得到了胚胎胰腺,为间质细胞群包绕着上皮细胞团的结构,培养第二天即发现间质细胞的长出,培养第四天时得到间质细胞群,免疫荧光鉴定为vimentin 阳性的间质细胞.结论:本方法通过大鼠E12.5胚胎胰腺显微分离.体外培养出原代胚胎胰腺间质细胞,为进一步研究大鼠胰腺间质细胞的功能提供实验平台.     

小鼠胚胎心包内动脉心外膜的形成及其细胞的分布变化

目的 探讨小鼠胚胎心包内动脉心外膜的起源、形成及其所含细胞在心包内主、肺动脉管壁发育过程中可能的作用.方法 取胚龄E9.5—E16的小鼠胚胎石蜡包埋连续切片,进行免疫组织化学染色.提取及培养E13小鼠胚胎心包内主、肺动脉组织原代心外膜祖细胞,进行免疫荧光染色.结果 E9.5—E10.5小鼠胚胎,心外膜逐渐形成并分布于心...     

对羟基苯甲酸甲酯对早孕小鼠子宫内膜蜕膜化的影响

该研究主要探讨对羟基苯甲酸甲酯(methylparaben,MP)对早孕小鼠子宫内膜蜕膜化的影响。从孕第1天开始,每日经口灌胃给予CD1小鼠0、10.0、62.5、250.0、1 000.0 mg/kg浓度的MP后,于孕第7天处死小鼠。采用酶联免疫法(ELISA)检测血清雌孕激素水平,观察并计数着床胚胎数量,采用免疫组化法和免疫印迹法检测子宫内膜蜕膜化标志物BMP2、MMP2、MMP9、HOXA10等蛋白的表达水平。结果显示,在1 000.0 mg/kg MP暴露下,小鼠孕第7天着床胚胎数量显著下降(P0.05)。免疫组化和免疫印迹结果显示,与正常对照组相比较,1 000.0 mg/kg组孕鼠蜕膜化标志物BMP2、MMP2、MMP9、HOXA10的蛋白表达水平显著降低。ELISA检测结果显示,MP暴露后孕鼠血清雌孕激素水平均明显下降(P0.05)。该研究提示,MP孕期暴露可能影响孕鼠子宫内膜蜕膜化。     

Caveolin-1在围植入期小鼠子宫内膜组织中的动态变化

目的检测caveolin-1在胚胎植入过程中小鼠子宫内膜组织中的表达,探讨其在胚胎植入过程中的作用。方法选择成年雌性昆明小白鼠42只,随机均分为7组(处于动情期的未孕组、妊娠3.5天组、妊娠4.5天组、妊娠5.5天组、妊娠6.5天组、妊娠7.5天组、妊娠9天组),采用免疫组织化学和RT-PCR方法检测子宫内膜组织中caveolin-1蛋白及mRNA水平在围植入期的变化。结果 (1)caveolin-1在胚胎植入前期(0d、3.5d)小鼠子宫内膜组织中的表达高于胚胎植入期(4.5d、5.5d、6.5d),差异有显著性(P<0.05)。(2)caveolin-1在胚胎植入后期(7.5d、9d)小鼠子宫内膜组织中的表达高于胚胎植入期(4.5d、5.5d、6.5d),差异有显著性(P<0.05)。(3)caveolin-1在胚胎植入后期小鼠子宫内膜组织中的表达略高于胚胎植入前期,但差异无显著性(P>0.05)。结论 Caveolin-1在胚胎植入前期和后期均高表达,植入期低表达。这种变化提示caveolin-1是影响胚胎植入的重要因素之一。     

Morphological and physiological effects of beta-hydroxybutyrate on rat embryos grown in vitro at different stages

Diabetic women are more likely to give birth to infants with congenital malformations than are nondiabetic women. Rodent embryos have been used as a model for the study of abnormal fetal development associated with maternal diabetes, and some of the metabolic factors which are altered in diabetes, such as raised glucose and ketones, have been shown to cause abnormal development of rodent embryos in vitro. The present work explores further the teratogenicity of beta-hydroxybutyrate to rat embryos. To determine the sensitivities of rat embryos at different stages of their development, rat embryos at 9.5 days of gestation have been cultured in vitro for 24 or 48 h, with or without 4 x 10(-2) M beta-hydroxybutyrate for all or part of the culture period. The embryos have been examined by scanning electron microscopy, and a detailed morphometric analysis of one tissue, the neuroepithelium, has been undertaken. The results confirm that beta-hydroxybutyrate causes abnormal development of rat embryos. The results of experiments in which embryos were exposed to beta-hydroxybutyrate for only part of a 48 h culture show that embryos exposed to beta-hydroxybutyrate for a complete 48 h culture are more severely affected than embryos exposed to beta-hydroxybutyrate for only part of the culture and that embryos are more vulnerable to beta-hydroxybutyrate during the first half of a 48 h culture (equivalent to 9.5 to 10.5 days of gestation) than during the second half of a 48 h culture (10.5 to 11.5 days of gestation). The results of experiments in which embryos were cultured with beta-hydroxybutyrate from 9.5 days of gestation for 24 h (equivalent to 9.5 to 10.5 days of gestation) showed that some effects of beta-hydroxybutyrate are already apparent after 24 hours in culture. Many of the abnormalities produced by beta-hydroxybutyrate can be classified as embryonic retardations rather than malformations--that is, embryos show features characteristic of normal, but younger, embryos. Embryos exposed to beta-hydroxybutyrate for the complete 48 h culture period consume less glucose and produce less lactate than control embryos on a per embryo basis, but not on a per microgram protein basis, suggesting that the reduced metabolism is an effect of beta-hydroxybutyrate-induced developmental delay rather than a cause of it.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Direct effects of varying doses of oestradiol on early embryonic development in in vitro culture of rat's two-cell embryos

Hyperstimulation in the rat using pregnant mares' serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) has been known to cause death in pre-implantation embryos, as well as enhancement of oestradiol production. This study examines the effect of oestradiol, in levels that are found in hyperstimulated pregnant rats, on pre-implantation embryonic development. Using a simplified in vitro system, 2-cell embryos retrieved from rats on the 2nd day of pregnancy were cultured in rat two-cell embryo culture medium (R2ECM) containing pharmacological doses of oestradiol for 96 h and scored daily in the morning. Three ngxmL(-1) oestradiol reduced the incidence of >8-cell embryos to morulae on the 5th day and blastocysts on the 6th day of development. Most embryos were retarded at the lower cell stages on the 5th day and degenerated by the 6th day. None of the blastocysts expanded on the last day of culture. Fifteen ngxmL(-1) oestradiol accelerated embryo development on the 3rd day but retarded development on the 4th day, and increased the incidence of degenerated embryos by the 5th and 6th day of development. These results suggest that the elevated oestradiol may constitute a mechanism by which PMSG induces death in pre-implantation rat embryos, possibly via a direct action on the embryos.     

The role of the yolk sac in craniofacial development of cultured rat embryos

To study the role of the yolk sac and amnion in craniofacial development, the effects of opening the yolk sac and amnion on facial formation of rat embryos were examined in vitro. Rat embryos were cultured for 72 hr from day 11.5 of gestation using an improved rotation apparatus. In experiments, the yolk sac and amnion were opened at the time of explantation (day 11.5) in one group (D11 open) and were opened 24 hr after the beginning of the culture (day 12.5) in another group (D12 open). Cleft lip developed in 100% of cultured embryos when the yolk sac and amnion were opened at day 11.5 (D11 open). In the D12 open group, however, cleft lip occurrence decreased to 3.0%. Protein content, wet weight, and somite number of cultured embryos were not significantly different in the two groups. The results of this study demonstrate that it is beneficial to open the yolk sac and amnion after 24 hr in culture for normal facial formation of rat embryo cultured from day 11.5 of gestation.     

Abnormal expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 in interspecific pregnancy of rat embryos in mouse recipients

The high failure rate of interspecific pregnancy is a major obstacle to the successful interspecific cloning of mammals. Embryo transfer between rats and mice provides a unique model for studying the causes of such failures. Previous research has shown that the upper time limit for the survival of rat embryos in mouse uteri was the seventh day of pregnancy (Day 7). To study the reasons for the failure of interspecific pregnancy between rats and mice, we transferred rat blastocysts into mouse uteri on the third day of pseudopregnancy. Unexpectedly, intact rat embryos could still be observed in mouse uteri on Day 9 and the implantation rate was as high as 30.6%. However, compared with mouse embryos, the further development of transferred rat embryos in mouse uteri was retarded. On Day 10, transferred rat embryos shrank with much blood. From Day 11 on, they lost their intact structure and the recipient uteri developed dropsy. On Day 12, the embryos shrank further and completely separated from the mouse uteri. By Day 13, they had been absorbed without any remains. In an in vitro co-culture (CT) system, the attachment rate of rat embryos on a monolayer of mouse uterine epithelial cells was similar to that of mouse embryos, but the outgrowth rate of rat embryos was significantly lower. Further investigation by gelatin zymography showed that matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) activities in transferred rat embryos was significantly less than in mouse embryos. The same result was obtained in the in vitro CT assay. These results suggest that rat embryos can complete adhesion but not the invasion when transferred into mouse uteri. The reduced invasive ability, and especially, the associated reduction of MMP-2 and -9 activity, is one of the reasons for the failure of interspecific pregnancy.     

Effect of RU486 on development and implantation of rat embryos

This study evaluated the effects of postcoital treatment with the antiprogestin RU486 on transport, development and implantation of rat embryos. Doses of 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, or 3.0 mg/rat of RU486 were injected subcutaneously on days 1, 1 + 2, or 4 of pregnancy. Autopsies were carried out on days 5 or 12 of pregnancy. RU486 provoked a significant dose-related reduction in the number of recovered embryos and inhibited their development (day 5) and decreased the number and size of implanted embryos (day 12). Treatment on day 4 was the least effective. Blastocysts recovered from RU486-treated rats exhibited comparable rate of trophoblastic outgrowth in vitro as the controls. Blastocysts transferred from RU486-treated rats to synchronous untreated pseudopregnant recipients yielded implanted embryos 12 days later in all recipients, although at a significantly lower rate than the controls. Blastocysts transferred from control pregnant rats to RU486-treated pseudopregnant recipients failed to implant completely when the dose was greater than or equal to 1.0 mg. The interceptive mechanism of postcoital treatment with RU486 in the rat involves loss of embryos from the reproductive tract and altered development prior to implantation. Endometrial receptivity or the ability of the uterus to retain the embryos until the time of implantation are also impaired by RU486. The embryos that survive these effects may experience delayed implantation in their mothers.     

Gestational regulation of the gene expression of C-type natriuretic peptide in mouse reproductive and embryonic tissue

C-Type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is a vasoactive hormone and the endothelial component of the natriuretic peptide system. We examined the expression of CNP in mouse reproductive organs and embryos at different stages of gestation. Pregnant mice were killed and embryos were dissected on gestational days 9.5, 12.5, 15.5, 18.5 postconceptionem (pc) and at term. Nonpregnant mice were used as controls. Total RNA was isolated from placenta, ovaries, myometrium and from head and trunk of embryos and neonates. CNP-mRNA was quantified by ribonuclease-protection assay (RPA). Uterine CNP-mRNA concentrations increase during pregnancy up to the sevenfold concentration, whereas in the ovaries these levels decrease to 10% compared to nonpregnant controls. In the placenta, a peak of CNP expression has been observed around day 15.5 pc, whereby placenta showed the strongest CNP signals. CNP-mRNA concentrations in embryos are gestational age-dependent with a high level at day 9.5 pc in head and trunk. These results indicate that CNP has a regulatory function in pregnancy and embryonic development.     

Characterization of murine decidual natural killer (NK) cells and their relevance to the success of pregnancy

The identification of lytic cells in 6.5-day to 9.5-day murine decidua as NK cells has been extended. The cells with natural killer (NK) activity in early decidua were nonphagocytic and heterogeneous in size as assessed by velocity sedimentation at unit gravity. The numbers of lytic cells were reduced by treatment with anti-asialo GM1 in vivo and they were absent from the decidua of bg/bg mice. Thus, decidual NK cells were not distinct from NK cells in other tissues. The decline in the levels of decidual NK activity as pregnancy progressed was attributed to their regulation by other cells present in decidua by midgestation. The development of NK activity in decidua was dependent upon the presence of an embryo, however, decidual NK cells were not essential for successful pregnancy because viable offspring were obtained from mice lacking decidual NK activity. It was shown that NK cells from either spleen or decidua were unlikely to cause damage to embryos during the first half of pregnancy as freshly dissociated 9.5- and 11.5-day embryonic cells resisted NK lysis. Furthermore, blastocysts were not damaged by coincubation with splenic or decidual NK cells and were viable upon subsequent embryo transfer. These studies indicate that decidual NK cells are not essential for successful pregnancy and are not necessarily detrimental to early embryos. It is suggested that decidual NK cells may play other nonimmunological roles during embryonic development.     

Teratogenic effects of bis-diamine on early embryonic rat heart: an in vitro study

BACKGROUND: Bis-diamine induces cardiac defects, including conotruncal anomalies in rat embryos when the agent is administered to the mother. To evaluate the teratogenic effects and mechanism of bis-diamine, we performed morphological and immunohistochemical analyses of early rat embryos cultured in medium containing bis-diamine. METHODS: The embryos were removed from mother rats on gestational day 10.5 and cultured in medium containing 1 mg of bis-diamine for 6 hr. The embryos were then cultured in medium only for another 6, 12, 18, and 42 hr, corresponding to embryonic day (ED) 11.0, 11.25, 11.5, and 12.5, respectively. Some embryos from the same mothers were used as controls and were cultured in medium only for the corresponding periods to the embryos exposed to bis-diamine. Some mother rats were given a single oral dose of 200 mg of bis-diamine on gestational day 10.5. Embryos from these pregnant rats were removed 6 hr after the oral administration of bis-diamine, and were also cultured in medium only for 6, 12, 18, and 42 hr. RESULTS: No cardiac abnormalities were detected in the controls at any stage of development. Thirty-three of 51 (65%) embryos exposed to bis-diamine and 15 of 20 (75%) embryos removed from bis-diamine-administered mothers showed abnormal cardiac development, including dilated ventricle, elongation of outflow tract, and pericardial defect on ED 11.5. Four of six (67%) embryos exposed to bis-diamine, and five of seven (71%) removed from bis-diamine-administered mothers also presented almost the same cardiac abnormalities on ED 12.5. No cardiac abnormalities were detected in bis-diamine-treated embryos before ED 11.5. In addition, the expression of neural cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM) was examined using immunohistochemical methods. Fewer N-CAM immunoreactive cells were detected in the third and fourth aortic arches in the bis-diamine-treated embryos than in controls on ED 11.5. However, more N-CAM immunoreactive cells were detected in the bis-diamine-treated embryos than in controls on ED 12.5. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that bis-diamine induces cardiac anomalies by delaying the migration of neural crest cells into the heart and by disturbing the proliferation of pericardial precursor during early cardiac development.     

Erasing genomic imprinting memory in mouse clone embryos produced from day 11.5 primordial germ cells

Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic mechanism that causes functional differences between paternal and maternal genomes, and plays an essential role in mammalian development. Stage-specific changes in the DNA methylation patterns of imprinted genes suggest that their imprints are erased some time during the primordial germ cell (PGC) stage, before their gametic patterns are re-established during gametogenesis according to the sex of individuals. To define the exact timing and pattern of the erasure process, we have analyzed parental-origin-specific expression of imprinted genes and DNA methylation patterns of differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in embryos, each derived from a single day 11.5 to day 13.5 PGC by nuclear transfer. Cloned embryos produced from day 12.5 to day 13.5 PGCs showed growth retardation and early embryonic lethality around day 9.5. Imprinted genes lost their parental-origin-specific expression patterns completely and became biallelic or silenced. We confirmed that clones derived from both male and female PGCs gave the same result, demonstrating the existence of a common default state of genomic imprinting to male and female germlines. When we produced clone embryos from day 11.5 PGCs, their development was significantly improved, allowing them to survive until at least the day 11.5 embryonic stage. Interestingly, several intermediate states of genomic imprinting between somatic cell states and the default states were seen in these embryos. Loss of the monoallelic expression of imprinted genes proceeded in a step-wise manner coordinated specifically for each imprinted gene. DNA demethylation of the DMRs of the imprinted genes in exact accordance with the loss of their imprinted monoallelic expression was also observed. Analysis of DNA methylation in day 10.5 to day 12.5 PGCs demonstrated that PGC clones represented the DNA methylation status of donor PGCs well. These findings provide strong evidence that the erasure process of genomic imprinting memory proceeds in the day 10.5 to day 11.5 PGCs, with the timing precisely controlled for each imprinted gene. The nuclear transfer technique enabled us to analyze the imprinting status of each PGC and clearly demonstrated a close relationship between expression and DNA methylation patterns and the ability of imprinted genes to support development.