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["2-cell block" and the viability of BALB/c embryos when explanted at the second cleavage cell cycle].

The embryos of BALB/c mice were explanted from hormonally stimulated females in a standard culture during the second cleavage division corresponding to the stage of the embryonic genome activation. Observations over the cultivated embryos have shown that explantation of the embryos both at the two-cell stage and during the first half of the second cleavage division brings most embryos (more than 80%) to the state of "two-cell block." Thereafter, the number of blocked embryos progressively decreases to less than 20% after explantation in the end of the cleavage division, which corresponds to the proportion of the embryos in the reproductive tract which were delayed at the 2-cell stage by the beginning of the third cleavage division. After explantation at the time close to the middle of the cleavage division, the survival of the blocked embryos is reduced and in the end of the two-cell stage again increases. The BALB/c embryos should stay in the maternal reproductive tract during the entire second cleavage division before explantation in order to provide for viability and developmental potencies in vitro close to those in vivo. The results obtained are discussed with reference to the controlling mechanisms of early embryogenesis and cell cycle.

Animals↗

[Whether variable cleavage of Enoplida (Nematoda) is primitive? Notes to D.A. Voronov article "Comparative embryology of Nematoda and the law of embryologic similarity].

The early embryonic development of Nematoda proceeds by three ways, which strictly correspond to three phylogenetic lineages. Under the first way the endodermal precursor is localized in the posterior blastomere at the two-cells stage (such a determination is the peculiarity of all the Chromadoria, including Secernentea and Caenorhabditis elegans). Under the second way the endodermal precursor is localized in the anterior blastomere of the egg. This feature is very unusual for Metazoa, but it is the only way of entoderm determination in all the Dorylaimia orders (Mononchida, Mermithida, Trichinellida, Dioctophymida, Dorylaimida). The third way described for the sea Enoplida is characterized with variable location of blastomers and changeable localization of endodermal precursor before eight-cells stage. It is still unknown of these three variants was typical the most recent common ancestor of present Nematoda. D.A. Voronov (2001) produced argument in favour of variable cleavage as primitive one for Nematoda. This opinion is rejected because of the similarity in development between sea Enoplida and C. elegans. Both of them share such features as low-cell gastrula and neurula, identical phylotypic lima bean stage of embryogenesis, identity of some geometrical figures 4 or 8 blastomers, isolating of the endodermal precursor at the eight-cells stage, the lack in development of any plesiomorphous features, which are widely distributed outside Nematoda (under the variable cleavage of Enoplida there are no such locations of blastomers, which are typical for spiral or radial cleavage, there are no embryonic leaves as well). One can see the homology of separate cells at adult Enoplida and Rhabditia. Cell lineage of Triplonchida as far as it is described at Tobrilus gracilis doesn't exclude the hypothesis on their origin from the cleavage similar to one of present Dorylaimia with localization of the endodermal precursor in the anterior blastomere. In view of all the considerations mentioned above one should interpret variable cleavage of Enoplida as derivation from invariant cleavage.

Animals↗

The power of the 3' UTR: translational control and development.

Many crucial decisions, such as the location and timing of cell division, cell-fate determination, and embryonic axes establishment, are made in the early embryo, a time in development when there is often little or no transcription. For this reason, the control of variation in gene expression in the early embryo often relies on post-transcriptional control of maternal genes. Although the early embryo is rife with translational control, controlling mRNA activity is also important in other developmental processes, such as stem-cell proliferation, sex determination, neurogenesis and erythropoiesis.

3' Untranslated Regions↗

A scaleable and defined system for generating neural stem cells from human embryonic stem cells.

The ability to differentiate human ESCs (hESCs) to defined lineages in a totally controlled manner is fundamental to developing cell-based therapies and studying human developmental mechanisms. We report a novel, scaleable, and widely applicable system for deriving and propagating neural stem cells from hESCs without the use of animal products, proprietary formulations, or genetic manipulation. This system provides a definitive platform for studying human neural development and has potential therapeutic implications.

Cell Differentiation↗

Induction of photoreceptor-specific phenotypes in adult mammalian iris tissue.

We show that iris tissue in the adult rat eye, which is embryonically related to the neural retina, can generate cells expressing differentiated neuronal antigens. In addition, the Crx gene transfer induced the specific antigens for rod photoreceptors in the iris-derived cells, which was not seen in the adult hippocampus-derived neural stem cells. Our findings demonstrate a remarkable plasticity of adult iris tissue with potential clinical applications, as autologous iris tissue can be feasibly obtained with peripheral iridectomy.

Aging↗

Embryotoxicity of the pesticide mirex in vitro.

Mirex is a pesticide that is environmentally stable, accumulates in body tissues, and is embryo- and feto-toxic at high concentrations in vivo. This study is the first to evaluate the effects of mirex on organogenesis-stage embryos in vitro. Mouse embryos were exposed on gestation day 8.5 for 24 h in whole-embryo culture to mirex at 100, 200, or 400 microg/ml dissolved in xylene and compared with xylene-treated controls (1, 2, or 4 microl/ml, respectively) and untreated controls. Embryos were evaluated for malformations, somite number, total protein content, and visceral yolk sac circulation. Potential embryotoxic mechanisms were evaluated by using PCNA stain for cell proliferation and the TUNEL assay for apoptotic cell death. Mirex-exposed embryos demonstrated increased malformation rates and decreased total embryonic protein contents at > or =200 microg/ml mirex, and decreased somite numbers and VYS circulation at > or =100 microg/ml mirex, compared with xylene-treated controls. There was no difference in PCNA levels or TUNEL staining in mirex-treated embryos compared with xylene-treated controls or untreated controls. Thus, mirex is embryotoxic in vitro to early organogenesis stage mouse embryos at concentrations > or =100 microg/ml, but the effects do not appear to be mediated by changes in cell proliferation or apoptotic cell death.

Abnormalities, Drug-Induced↗

Polyamine distribution among maize embryonic tissues and its relation to seed germination.

Polyamines are known to participate in the control of cell division. In the present report, the levels and distribution of polyamines in the embryonic tissues of maize seeds were studied to relate them to the reinitiation of cell division during seed germination. Results indicate higher contents of polyamines in scutellum than in axis tissues of dry seeds. After germination, larger increments of the three polyamines were obtained in axes, rather than in scutella. Seeds of low viability did not show putrescine increments after germination. It is suggested that spermidine and spermine are directly related to the germination process.

Polyamines↗

RNA-binding protein TIAR is essential for primordial germ cell development.

Primordial germ cells (PGCs) give rise to both eggs and sperm via complex maturational processes that require both cell migration and proliferation. However, little is known about the genes controlling gamete formation during the early stages of PGC development. Although several mutations are known to severely reduce the number of PGCs reaching and populating the genital ridges, the molecular identity of only two of these genes is known: the c-kit receptor protein tyrosine kinase and the c-kit ligand (the steel factor). Herein, we report that mutant mice lacking TIAR, an RNA recognition motif/ribonucleoprotein-type RNA-binding protein highly expressed in PGCs, fail to develop spermatogonia or oogonia. This developmental defect is a consequence of reduced survival of PGCs that migrate to the genital ridge around embryonic day 11.5 (E11.5). The numbers of PGCs populating the genital ridge in TIAR-deficient embryos are severely reduced compared to wild-type embryos by E11.5 and in the mutants PGCs are completely absent at E13.5. Furthermore, TIAR-deficient embryonic stem cells do not proliferate in the absence of exogenous leukemia inhibitory factor in an in vitro methylcellulose culture assay, supporting a role for TIAR in regulating cell proliferation. Because the development of PGCs relies on the action of several growth factors, these results are consistent with a role for TIAR in the expression of a survival factor or survival factor receptor that is essential for PGC development. TIAR-deficient mice thus provide a model system to study molecular mechanisms of PGC development and possibly the basis for some forms of idiopathic infertility.

Aging↗

Ovca1 regulates cell proliferation, embryonic development, and tumorigenesis.

Loss of OVCA1/DPH2L1 correlates with ovarian and breast cancer. To study its in vivo role, we generated Ovca1 mutant alleles in mice. Ovca1 heterozygotes spontaneously develop cancer. Ovca1 mutant mice die during embryonic development and at birth with developmental delay and defects in multiple organ systems. Cell proliferation defects were observed in Ovca1 mutant mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). p53 deficiency can rescue these Ovca1 mutant MEF proliferation defects and partially rescue Ovca1 mutant embryonic phenotypes. Furthermore, Ovca1; p53 double heterozygotes developed tumors quicker than p53 heterozygotes and with an increased carcinoma incidence. Multiple tumor burden in Ovca1 heterozygotes that were also p53 deficient was significantly higher than in p53 homozygous mutants. These in vivo findings demonstrate that Ovca1 is a tumor suppressor that can modify p53-induced tumorigenesis and suggest that it acts as a positive regulator for cell cycle progression. The close linkage of OVCA1 and p53 on human Chromosome 17 suggests that coordinated loss may be an important mechanism for the evolution of ovarian, breast, and other tumor phenotypes.

Animals↗

Evidence that "embryonic estrogen" is a factor which controls the development of the mouse preimplantation embryo.

4- to 8-cell mouse PIE's (preimplantation embryos) were cultured in vitro for 48 hr in media containing various concentrations of the anti-estrogen CI-628. Graded effects of the various concentrations were observed with the highest concentration (1.5 microng/ml) being 100% effective in blocking development to the blastocyst stage. The deleterious effects of the drug were prevented to some extent by including estradiol-17beta in the medium. Our interpretation is that the effect of CI-628 was due to its anti-estrogenic properties. If this interpretation is correct, then the results support our hypothesis that the development of mouse PIE's depends upon estrogen which originates in the PIE.

Animals↗

A transgene coding for a human insulin analog has a mitogenic effect on murine embryonic beta cells.

We have investigated the mitogenic effect of three mutant forms of human insulin on insulin-producing beta cells of the developing pancreas. We examined transgenic embryonic and adult mice expressing (i) human [AspB10]-proinsulin/insulin ([AspB10]ProIN/IN), produced by replacement of histidine by aspartic acid at position 10 of the B chain and characterized by an increased affinity for the insulin receptor; (ii) human [LeuA3]insulin, produced by the substitution of leucine for valine in position 3 of the A chain, which exhibits decreased receptor binding affinity; and (iii) human [LeuA3, AspB10]insulin "double" mutation. During development, beta cells of AspB10 embryos were twice as abundant and had a 3 times higher rate of proliferation compared with beta cells of littermate controls. The mitogenic effect of [AspB10]ProIN/IN was specific for embryonic beta cells because the rate of proliferation of beta cells of adults and of glucagon (alpha) cells and adrenal chromaffin cells of embryos was similar in AspB10 mice and controls. In contrast to AspB10 embryos, the number of beta cells in the LeuA3 and "double" mutant lines was similar to the number in controls. These findings indicate that the [AspB10]ProIN/IN analog increased the rate of fetal beta-cell proliferation. The mechanism or mechanisms that mediate this mitogenic effect remain to be determined.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Effect of prenatal stress on proliferative activity and chromosome aberrations in embryo brain in rats with different excitability of the nervous system.

Stress during pregnancy affects the morphogenesis of embryonal brain, its structural and functional characteristics, and behavior of the progeny. Genetic mechanisms of this process remain unclear. Cytogenetic characteristics of neuroblasts were analyzed in 17-18-day embryos of rats selected by threshold excitability of the nervous system in health and after emotional painful stress during the third trimester of pregnancy. The strains differed by the effect of stress on proliferative activity and chromosome aberrations in cells of the future hippocampus depending on the strain-specific characteristics of the nervous system excitability. This effect is regarded as an important component of epigenetic regulation of neurogenesis and behavior.

Animals↗

The developmental pattern of Brca1 expression implies a role in differentiation of the breast and other tissues.

We have examined the developmental expression of the murine breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility gene, Brca1, to investigate its role in the control of cell growth and differentiation. Specifically, we have analysed Brca1 expression during embryonic development, in adult tissues, and during postnatal mammary gland development, particularly in response to ovarian hormones. Our results suggest that Brca1 is expressed in rapidly proliferating cell types undergoing differentiation. In the mammary gland, Brca1 expression is induced during puberty, pregnancy, and following treatment of ovariectomized animals with 17 beta-estradiol and progesterone. These observations imply that Brca1 is involved in the processes of proliferation and differentiation in multiple tissues, notably in the mammary gland in response to ovarian hormones.

Animals↗

Mouse embryonic development and tumor cell growth under the influence of recombinant trichosanthin (a ribosome inactivating protein) and its muteins.

Trichosanthin, a ribosome inactivating protein, is known to possess embryotoxic and antiproliferative activities. In the present study recombinant trichosanthin and its muteins produced by site-directed mutagenesis were tested for these activities using whole embryo culture and cell culture. The results revealed that when Glu 160 in trichosanthin was mutated to alanine or aspartate, the two aforementioned activities underwent a substantial decrease. However, the former mutein had a higher potency than the latter mutein. When both Glu 160 and Glu 189 were mutated, the resultant mutant possessed very low antiproliferative and yet considerable embryotoxic activity, indicating the contribution from other amino acids in stabilizing the transition state complex of trichosanthin.

Animals↗

Distinct stages of melanocyte differentiation revealed by anlaysis of nonuniform pigmentation patterns.

The injection of an antagonistic anti-murine c-kit monoclonal antibody ACK2 during mouse embryonic development produced three distinctive pigmentation patterns on the coat of the offspring. Pattern 1 consisted of pigmentation in craniofacial and caudal regions and was induced by an ACK2 injection between 9.5 and 11.5 days post coitum (dpc). In pattern 2, the entire coat was unpigmented and was induced by the injection at around 13.0 dpc. Pattern 3 consisted of pigmented patches spreading ventrolaterally from the dorsoanterior trunk regions towards the anterior and posterior directions and it was induced by ACK2 administered at 14.5-15.0 dpc. We investigated the embryological basis of these nonuniform pigmentation patterns to elucidate the process of melanoblast differentiation between lineage commitment and colonization into developing hair follicles. The results showed the following. (1) Melanocyte differentiation at the embryonic stage from 10.5 to 12.5 dpc progresses in a spatially nonuniform fashion, being faster in the craniofacial and caudal regions than in the trunk; pattern 1 reflects this. (2) Melanoblasts are activated to proliferate synchronously upon entering into the epidermis; pattern 2 correlates with this process. (3) c-kit functions as a survival signal for proliferating melanoblasts in the epidermis. (4) The melanoblasts that enter developing hair follicles can survive without a c-kit signal; pattern 3 essentially represents the hair follicles colonized by these cells. Analysis of the melanoblast distribution of ls/ls embryos that bear a loss-of-function mutation in the endothelin 3 gene suggested that endothelin 3 is required for early melanoblast differentiation before entering into the epidermis, whereas proliferation in the epidermis takes place without this molecule. Based on these data, we propose 4 distinct steps of embryonic melanocyte differentiation: (1) migration in the dermis, which requires both c-kit and endothelin 3; (2) a state before epidermal entry that is resistant to anti-c-kit mAb; (3) cell proliferation after entering the epidermal layer, which requires c-kit and endothelin receptor B but not endothelin 3 and (4) integration into developing hair follicles, which renders melanoblasts resistant to anti-c-kit mAb. Thus, melanoblast differentiation proceeds by alternately repeating c-kit -dependent and c-kit-independent stages and c-kit functions as a survival factor for the proliferating melanoblasts.

Animals↗

The involvement of TGF beta 1 in early avian development: gastrulation and chondrogenesis.

We examined the effects of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF beta 1) and a neutralizing monoclonal antibody on two phases of early chick embryo development: gastrulation and chondrogenesis. We carried out experiments in vivo and in vitro on mesoderm cells from the gastrulating embryo at day 1, and on sclerotome cells from day 3 embryos, having previously shown that this factor is present among these cells at these stages of development. Addition of the antibody to cultures of these cells produced a dose-dependent decrease in cell out-growth and spreading and concomitantly reduced fibronectin deposition. In vivo studies of the effects of TGF beta 1 on mesoderm during gastrulation were carried out by grafting beads carrying this agent into gastrulating embryos. We used beads of ion-exchange resin as well as hydrolysed polyacrylamide, and found that the grafts produced an accumulation of mesoderm cells around the implant and, at later stages, the formation of enlarged somites. There was no effect on embryonic axis formation. Studies of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation indicated that the mesoderm accumulation was due, at least in part, to an increase in cell proliferation. However, examination of the effect of TGF beta 1 on BrdU incorporation by mesoderm during gastrulation and sclerotome cells in vitro indicated in inhibition of cell proliferation, an inconsistency explained in terms of the variation between the in vivo and in vitro conditions. We conclude that TGF beta 1 is both appropriately located, and is able, to influence cell proliferation among the mesodermal cell populations during early development, and that this effect contributes to the overall control of mesodermal morphogenesis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

The effects of antiphospholipid antibodies obtained from women with SLE/APS and associated pregnancy loss on rat embryos and placental explants in culture.

Recurrent fetal loss occurs in approximately 1% of women. Autoimmune causes have been suggested as a factor in some of these cases. High rates of intrauterine fetal growth retardation and increased incidence of prematurity is associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). We found in previous studies that sera from SLE/APS patients when used as a culture medium for rat embryos were found to reduce embryonic growth and development, induce a high rate of embryonic anomalies and death and damage the yolk sac morphologically and functionally. In order to investigate the direct effect of IgG purified from women with SLE/APS on the growth and viability of embryos, we cultured 11.5-day-old rat embryos in their yolk sacs in the presence of IgG purified from SLE/APS patients with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). The IgG affected directly the embryo and yolk sac, reducing their growth. The purified IgG positive for anticardiolipin/anti-DNA antibodies reduced yolk sac and embryonic growth more than sera negative for these antibodies but positive for antiphosphatydilserine and for antilaminin. Monoclonal antiphosphatydilserine reduced yolk sac growth but the embryos remained intact. Following the observed damage to the yolk sac we cultured human placental explants at 5.5-8 weeks of pregnancy in sera from SLE/APS patients for 96 hours and found that these sera reduced placental trophoblastic cell growth, reduced their proliferation rate and increased their rate of apoptosis. Successful treatment of the women resulted in a correction of the damage induced in the cultured rat embryos and in the cultured placental explants.

Abortion, Habitual↗

Schwann cells and their precursors emerge as major regulators of nerve development.

It is becoming ever clearer that Schwann cells and Schwann-cell precursors are an important source of developmental signals in embryonic and neonatal nerves. This article reviews experiments showing that these signals regulate the survival and differentiation of other cells in early nerves. The evidence indicates that glial-derived signals are necessary for neuronal survival at crucial periods of development, that they regulate the molecular and functional specialization of axons and that they control the maturation of the perineurial sheath that protects nerves from inflammation and unwanted macro-molecules produced in the surrounding tissues. Furthermore, an autocrine survival circuit enables Schwann cells in postnatal nerves to survive in the absence of axons, a vital requirement for successful nerve regeneration following injury. The molecular identity of these signals and their receptors is currently being determined.

Animals↗