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Published on: July 24, 2013
Targeted disruption of mouse Yin Yang 1 transcription factor results in peri-implantation lethality
M E Donohoe1, X Zhang, L McGinnis
1Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
Abstract:
Yin Yang 1 (YY1) is a zinc finger-containing transcription factor and a target of viral oncoproteins. To determine the biological role of YY1 in mammalian development, we generated mice deficient for YY1 by gene targeting. Homozygosity for the mutated YY1 allele results in embryonic lethality in the mouse. YY1 mutants undergo implantation and induce uterine decidualization but rapidly degenerate around the time of implantation. A subset of YY1 heterozygote embryos are developmentally retarded and exhibit neurulation defects, suggesting that YY1 may have additional roles during later stages of mouse embryogenesis. Our studies demonstrate an essential function for YY1 in the development of the mouse embryo.
Insights
Yin Yang 1 (YY1) is crucial for mouse embryonic development. Gene targeting revealed that YY1 deficiency causes embryonic lethality, highlighting its essential role in early embryogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Yin Yang 1 (YY1) is a transcription factor targeted by viral oncoproteins.
- Its specific role in mammalian development remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the biological function of YY1 during mammalian development.
- To determine the consequences of YY1 deficiency in mouse embryogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Gene targeting was employed to generate YY1-deficient mice.
- Embryonic development and viability were assessed in YY1 mutant and heterozygote embryos.
Main Results:
- Homozygous YY1 deficiency resulted in embryonic lethality around implantation.
- YY1 mutant embryos degenerated shortly after implantation.
- YY1 heterozygote embryos showed developmental retardation and neurulation defects.
Conclusions:
- YY1 plays an essential and indispensable role in early mouse embryonic development.
- YY1 is critical for post-implantation development and potentially for later embryonic stages.
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