Differential Expression of c-myc and N-myc during Oral Organogenesis of the Mouse Embryo

The expressions of the c- and N- myc proto-oncogenes during oral development of midgestational mouse embryos were examined by in situ hybridization in order to analyze their roles. In the mandibular rudiment, c- myc RNA was strongly expressed in the mesenchymal condensation around the ossification center in which high-level expression of 2 ar (osteopontin) was detected. In tooth germs, c- myc was strongly expressed in the epithelia at the bud stage, and its expression gradually became restricted to the inner enamel epithelia from the cap to bell stages. In contrast, N- myc expression was detected in the undifferentiated mesenchymal cells of the dental papilla. Incorporation of BrdU was examined immunohistochemically to study the relationship between the expressions of c- and N- myc and cell proliferation. Unexpectedly, the distribution of BrdU labelled regions was not coincident with the expressions of c- and N- myc . These results suggest that the level of myc expression is not necessarily related to cell proliferation.     

Ghrelin在小鼠体内早期胚胎发育中的表达

为了探讨Ghrelin是否在昆明系小白鼠(Mus musculus)体内早期胚胎发育中发挥作用。运用激素超排卵技术及动物解剖学方法获取小鼠体内不同发育阶段的早期胚胎,应用实时定量PCR技术检测了Ghrelin mRNA的相对表达量。结果表明,Ghrelin mRNA在小鼠各期胚胎中均有表达;同时,GhrelinmRNA的表达量呈现一定规律性变化,2-细胞期表达量最低,8-细胞期表达量达到最高值,总体趋势是先降低后升高之后又降低。研究结果揭示,Ghrelin可能在小鼠早期胚胎发育中发挥一定的作用。     

Gm2052基因在小鼠胚胎发育中表达的初步研究

目的:研究预测的编码蛋白基因Gm2052在小鼠胚胎发育阶段的表达模式,为进一步了解该基因的功能奠定基础。方法:通过全胚胎原位杂交技术、组织切片原位杂交技术及半定量RT-PCR方法,对预测的Gm2052基因在小鼠胚胎发育中后期及在新生小鼠中的表达情况进行初步分析。结果:全胚胎原位杂交显示,在E10.5小鼠胚胎中,Gm2052仅在脑中表达;当小鼠胚胎发育至E13.5时,Gm2052在脑、舌、肺、肝脏、胰腺等组织中均有表达。半定量RT-PCR结果显示,在小鼠胚胎中后期(E15.5和E18.5)及新生小鼠(出生后第9 d)中,Gm2052呈动态表达模式。结论:预测基因Gm2052与小鼠脑的发育密切相关,并可能参与小鼠肺、肝脏及胰腺等主要脏器胚期的发育。     

Inhibition of Glycosphingolipid Biosynthesis Does Not Impair Growth or Morphogenesis of the Postimplantation Mouse Embryo

Abstract: Whole embryo culture (WEC) of organogenesis-stage mouse embryos was adapted for glycosphingolipid (GSL) metabolic studies to evaluate the hypothesis that de novo GSL biosynthesis is a prerequisite for growth and morphogenesis of the early postimplantation embryo. WEC supports the growth and development of postimplantation mouse embryos to stages that are indistinguishable from those achieved in vivo. N -Butyldeoxygalactonojirimycin ( N B-DGJ) is an N -alkylated imino sugar that specifically inhibits biosynthesis of all glucosylceramide-based GSLs. N B-DGJ inhibited glucosylceramide and lactosylceramide biosynthesis nearly completely and inhibited ganglioside biosynthesis ∼90% in both the embryo and visceral yolk sac. N B-DGJ also significantly reduced total ganglioside content in both the embryo and visceral yolk sac as estimated by the cholera toxin immunooverlay technique. A shift in expression from the structurally simple to the structurally complex gangliosides was also observed in N B-DGJ-treated embryos and yolk sacs. Despite causing major changes in GSL biosynthesis and composition, N B-DGJ had no effect on embryo viability, growth, or morphology. The findings suggest that de novo GSL biosynthesis may not be a prerequisite for the growth and morphogenesis of the organogenesis-stage mouse embryo.     

The Expression of X-Linked Phosphoglycerate Kinase in the Early Mouse Embryo

Abstract. During early mouse embryogenesis, the activity of X-chromosomally linked maternal and paternal phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK-1) alleles was determined using electrophoretic separation of their gene products and a sensitive fluorometric enzyme assay. In the embryos collected from females homozygous for PGK-1^b mated with PGK-1^a males and vice versa, the paternally derived allozyme was first detected after implantation on day 6. Expression of the maternally inherited allele was studied in embryos from females heterozygous for PGK-1^b and PGK-1^a. From day 1 to day 4, the embryos maintained a constant ratio of enzyme activity of PGK-1B to PGK-1A. Prior to implantation of the embryos between day 4 and day 5, the activity ratio of the two PGK-1 allelic variants changed significantly due to the first appearance of newly synthesized PGK derived from the maternally inherited allele.
Our data demonstrate a temporal difference in the onset of PGK synthesis depending on whether this particular gene product is of maternal or paternal origin. Therefore, we conclude that the maternal PGK-1 locus is already activated during late preimplantation development whereas the paternally inherited gene locus remains silent at the preimplantation stage but is subsequently expressed at approximately the time of X-chromosomal inactivation.     

HCMV基因在人和小鼠胚胎成纤维细胞中表达的差异性研究

人巨细胞病毒（human cytomegalovirus, HCMV）种属特异性机制尚不清楚。研究通过检测HCMVADl69体外感染人胚胎成纤维细胞（Human embryo fibroblast, HEF）和小鼠胚胎成纤维细胞（mouse embryo fibroblast, MEF）后病毒基因的表达情况,探讨HCMV种属特异性的可能分子机制。首先用HCMV AD169（MOI=5）分别感染HEF和MEF,相差显微镜逐日观察细胞的形态学变化;RT—PCR检测HCMV即刻早期（IE1、IE2）、早期（uL84）和晚期基因（UL83）的表达情况;Western—blot和免疫荧光检测病毒基因编码蛋白表达的情况。形态学观察发现HEF感染HCMV后逐渐变大变圆并相互融合,第4天可见典型的HCMV特征性病变效应,而MEF则未出现上述的变化;RT-PCR和Western—blot表明HEF组表达即刻早期基因IE1和IE2、早期基因uL84和晚期基因UL83 mRNA以及各基因所编码的蛋白,且相对表达量显著高于模拟感染组（P〈0．01）;而MEF组仅IEl和IE2mRNA和蛋白相对表达量显著低于HEF组（P〈0．05）,而高于模拟感染组（P〈0．01）。免疫荧光检测发现HEF感染72h表达IE和UL83蛋白,而MEF则无明显表达。以上结果表明,HC—MV不能在MEF中复制并产生完整子代病毒颗粒,且病毒基因表达阻止在IE2基因表达之后和UL84基因表达之前,其种属特异性可能与即刻早期蛋白低水平的表达量有关。     

Rb基因在小鼠胚胎发育中期肾组织的表达

用原位杂交法检测小鼠肾组织中细胞周期调控基因Rb的表达;用免疫组织化学及缺口末端标记法观察小鼠肾组织发育过程中的细胞增殖与凋亡：结果表明,Rb基因主要在肾上皮细胞表达,随胎龄增长而表达颜色加深。肾组织在第13天有一个较大的增殖增长,到第14天生长趋于稳定。以上结果说明Rb基因在小鼠胚胎肾发育中期有表达,该基因在胚胎肾发育中期起一定的作用;同时胚胎发育中期肾细胞增殖与凋亡相伴存在。     

抑制小鼠胚胎细胞NOR活性对胚胎器官发育的影响

通过往孕鼠体内连续注入ＢｒｄＵ和小鼠胚胎细胞在含ＢｒｄＵ培养基中培养,证明小鼠胚胎细胞的ＮＯＲ活性明显地被ＢｒｄＵ所抑制;当洗去ＢｒｄＵ后,ＮＯＲ活性可逐步恢复,怀孕早中期胚胎ＮＯＲ活性被抑制引起小鼠胚胎器官发育的异常：胎儿流产和出生后幼鼠死亡的比例明显增加;出生的幼鼠眼球晶状体上皮细胞异常地出现１－３个直径平均为０．３μｍ的不透明颗粒。经组织切片蛋白质特经学显色表明,这些颗粒全为蛋白质颗粒。随着     

小鼠的胚胎移植方法

全面而详细地描述了小鼠胚胎移植中所采用的输卵管移植及子宫移植方法,包括作者的改进。介绍了寄母小鼠的选择、配种及孕鼠的编号方法等,具有较强的实用意义。     

Embryo Morphogenesis in the Stem Parasite Scurrula pulverulenta

Seeds of Scurrula pulverulenta, a leafy mistletoe, germinatedon a simple nutrient medium, and addition of casein hydrolysate(CH) supported better growth of the seedlings. In either casethe seedlings developed haustoria which were comparable to thehaustoria formed in vivo inside the host tissue. On White'smedium (WM)+CH+indole-3yl-acetic acid (IAA) the embryo callusedand, subsequently, differentiated shoot buds and/or haustoria.On WM+CH+IAA+ kinetin the callused embryo did not differentiatehaustoria or shoot buds. However, on this medium, ‘embryoids’developed up to the heart-shaped stage. The effects of somecytokinins, coconut milk, and water-melon juice, on germination,proliferation of embryo, and differentiation of shoot buds fromthe callus were also studied.     

Distribution of Fibronectin and Collagen during Mouse Limb and Palate Development

Indirect immunofluorescence has been used to study the distribution of fibronectin and collagen types I, II, and III in the developing primary and secondary palatal processes and forelimb buds of the Swiss Webster (NIH) mouse. In the palatal processes fibronectin and types I and III collagen are distributed throughout the mesenchyme. Fibronectin is present in the basement membrane, while types I and III collagen are localized in a linear, discontinuous fashion beneath the basement membrane. Fibronectin is not observed in the epithelium, including the presumptive fusion areas. In the forelimb bud these components show a similar distribution prior to chondrogenesis (early day 11). When chondrogenesis commences (late day 11 or early day 12) fibronectin and, to a lesser degree, types I and III collagen are apparently concentrated in the core mesenchyme, suggesting that fibronectin has a role in initiating chondrogenesis, perhaps by increasing cellular aggregation. Type II collagen is observed only in chondrogenic regions. The codistribution of fibronectin and types I and III collagen supports in vitro studies which indicate that cells use fibronectin to bind to collagen in the matrix. The developing chondrogenic regions appear to lose fibronectin gradually, concomitant with the appearance of type II collagen, suggesting that fibronectin is not involved in the maintenance of functional chondrocytes in their matrices.     

Ypel3基因在小鼠胚胎发育中的表达与调控

目的:探讨小鼠胚胎发育过程中Ypel3基因的时空特异性表达与调控,为后续功能研究奠定基础。方法:选取胎龄(E)10.5、12.5、14.5、16.5和18.5 d的小鼠胚胎,利用荧光定量RT-PCR技术研究Ypel3基因mRNA的时序性动态表达谱;采用原位杂交技术观察Ypel3基因mRNA在胚胎发育E11.5和E15.5的空间表达谱;应用定量RT-PCR技术检测表观遗传学修饰对Ypel3基因mRNA表达丰度的影响。结果:定量RT-PCR表明该基因从胚胎发育的早中期开始表达,到出生前表达量呈逐渐升高趋势;原位杂交显示E11.5信号出现在脑和心脏中,E15.5信号在脑、舌、心、肺、胸腺、肝、肾等主要脏器中均有表达;甲基化转移酶抑制剂5-氮胞苷(5-Aza)处理的Neuro-2a(N2a)细胞中,Ypel3的表达水平未产生显著变化,而去乙酰化酶抑制剂4-苯丁酸(4-PBA)处理后该基因表达显著升高,5-Aza和4-PBA联合处理后表达水平进一步升高。结论:Ypel3基因在小鼠胚胎发育各阶段有广泛的表达,提示其具有重要作用,且该基因的表达可能受到组蛋白乙酰化的调控。     

Involvement of Glucocorticoids in the Development of the Secondary Palate

Genetic differences between various inbred strains of mice in the levels of glucocorticoid receptors embryonic in maxillary mesenchyme cells appear to be reflected in the magnitude of the responses to steroids in these cells. High levels of glucocorticoids cause significant growth inhibition in maxillary mesenchyme cells with subsequent alterations in the production of extracellular matrix components. The presence of higher levels of cytoplasmic glucocorticoid receptor proteins may be one factor which could predispose those strains such as A/J to a greater inhibition of craniofacial growth in vivo by glucocorticoids and therefore increase the frequency of cleft palate production. Furthermore, women with infertility treated with glucocorticoids to support pregnancy give birth to infants with a marked decrease in birth weight [98]. Pharmacologic doses of glucocorticoids can also cause a dramatic reduction in the growth of a number of fetal tissues in mice and humans. In fact, there is evidence that glucocorticoids may be a causative factor in the production of cleft palate in primates [52]. The nature of the molecular elements which determine the biochemical and physiologic responses to glucocorticoids in the palate still remains largely unknown. Although in the mouse there is some evidence to suggest that the major histocompatibility locus (H-2) might be involved, the level(s) at which this control is exerted is unknown. It is possible that this locus may regulate in some manner the level of glucocorticoid receptors and the response to glucocorticoids in the secondary palate. Moreover, there is evidence to suggest that other genes distinct from, but closely linked to the H-2 locus may be important in determining both the strain-dependent differences in susceptibility to glucocorticoid-induced cleft palate and the intracellular levels of cyclic AMP in the secondary palate. It is also apparent that glucocorticoids in conjunction with other hormones or growth factors such as epidermal growth factor and agents which regulate cyclic nucleotide metabolism are essential for the normal development of the secondary palate. Excesses or deficiencies in either the level of these growth regulators and/or in their receptors in specific fetal tissues at defined periods in development are likely to lead to certain fetal malformations. Definition and integration of the genetic, biochemical, and endocrine factors which are involved in the control of cellular growth as influenced by alterations in the composition of cell surface and extracellular matrix components should provide some insights into the events associated with normal palatogenesis.     

精子介导GFP基因在小鼠早期胚胎中的表达

利用 DIG 末端标记技术和免疫组化技术分析了小鼠精子体外结合内化外源DNA的效率。试验结果表明,不同小鼠个体的精子结合外源DNA的阳性率有明显差异（P<0.01）,平均为13%。利用考马斯亮蓝染色评价了小鼠精子顶体反应发生的情况,筛选出TYH培养液为较合适的体外受精液。利用小鼠体外受精技术,将体外转染GFP基因并获能的小鼠精子与成熟卵母细胞进行体外受精,受精卵进行体外培养,表达GFP胎的阳性率为4.7%。验证了精子介导制备转基因小鼠胚胎的可行性,并建立了利用精子载体法制备转基因小鼠胚胎的平台。     

精子介导GFP基因在小鼠早期胚胎中的表达

利用DIG末端标记技术和免疫组化技术分析了小鼠精子体外结合内化外源DNA的效率。试验结果表明,不同小鼠个体的精子结合外源DNA的阳性率有明显差异(P<0.01),平均为13%。利用考马斯亮蓝染色评价了小鼠精子顶体反应发生的情况,筛选出TYH培养液为较合适的体外受精液。利用小鼠体外受精技术,将体外转染GFP基因并获能的小鼠精子与成熟卵母细胞进行体外受精,受精卵进行体外培养,表达GFP胚胎的阳性率为4.7%。验证了精子介导制备转基因小鼠胚胎的可行性,并建立了利用精子载体法制备转基因小鼠胚胎的平台。     

An Adaptor Molecule Afadin Regulates Lymphangiogenesis by Modulating RhoA Activity in the Developing Mouse Embryo

Afadin is an intracellular binding partner of nectins, cell-cell adhesion molecules, and plays important roles in the formation of cell-cell junctions. Afadin-knockout mice show early embryonic lethality, therefore little is known about the function of afadin during organ development. In this study, we generated mice lacking afadin expression in endothelial cells, and found that the majority of these mice were embryonically lethal as a result of severe subcutaneous edema. Defects in the lymphatic vessels of the skin were observed, although the morphology in the blood vessels was almost normal. Severe disruption of VE-cadherin-mediated cell-cell junctions occurred only in lymphatic endothelial cells, but not in blood endothelial cells. Knockout of afadin did not affect the differentiation and proliferation of lymphatic endothelial cells. Using in vitro assays with blood and lymphatic microvascular endothelial cells (BMVECs and LMVECs, respectively), knockdown of afadin caused elongated cell shapes and disruption of cell-cell junctions among LMVECs, but not BMVECs. In afadin-knockdown LMVECs, enhanced F-actin bundles at the cell periphery and reduced VE-cadherin immunostaining were found, and activation of RhoA was strongly increased compared with that in afadin-knockdown BMVECs. Conversely, inhibition of RhoA activation in afadin-knockdown LMVECs restored the cell morphology. These results indicate that afadin has different effects on blood and lymphatic endothelial cells by controlling the levels of RhoA activation, which may critically regulate the lymphangiogenesis of mouse embryos.     

TGFβ2 in Corneal Morphogenesis during Mouse Embryonic Development

To examine the roles of TGFβ isoforms on corneal morphogenesis, the eyes of mice that lack TGFβs were analyzed at different developmental stages for cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis, and for expression patterns of keratin 12, lumican, keratocan and collagen I. Among the three Tgfb^−/− mice, only Tgfb2^−/− mice have abnormal ocular morphogenesis characterized by thin corneal stroma, absence of corneal endothelium, fusion of cornea to lens (a Peters'-like anomaly phenotype), and accumulation of hyaline cells in vitreous. In Tgfb2^−/− mice, fewer keratocytes were found in stroma that has a decreased accumulation of ECM; for example, lumican, keratocan and collagen I were greatly diminished. The absence of TGFβ2 did not compromise cell proliferation, nor enhance apoptosis. The thinner stroma resulting from decreased ECM synthesis may account for the decreased cell number in the stroma of Tgfb2 null mice. Keratin 12 expression was not altered in Tgfb2^−/− mice, implicating normal corneal type epithelial differentiation. Delayed appearance of macrophages in ocular tissues was observed in Tgfb2^−/− mice. Malfunctioning macrophages may account for accumulation of cell mass in vitreous of Tgfb2 null mice.