Synthesis and phosphorylation of uvomorulin during mouse early development
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M Sefton1, M H Johnson, L Clayton
1Department of Anatomy, University of Cambridge, UK.
Abstract:
The cell adhesion molecule, uvomorulin, is synthesised in both the 135 x 10(3) M(r) precursor and 120 x 10(3) M(r) mature forms on maternal mRNA templates in unfertilized and newly fertilized mouse oocytes. Synthesis on maternal message ceases during the 2-cell stage to resume later on mRNA encoded presumptively by the embryonic genome. Uvomorulin is detectable by immunoblotting at all stages upto the blastocyst stage, but shows variations in its total amount and processing with embryonic stage. Whilst only trace levels of phosphorylated uvomorulin are detectable in early and late 4-cell embryos, uvomorulin in 8-cell embryos is phosphorylated.
Insights
Uvomorulin synthesis shifts from maternal to embryonic control during early mouse development. Phosphorylation patterns of this cell adhesion molecule change significantly by the 8-cell stage.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Adhesion Molecules
- Early Embryogenesis
Background:
- Uvomorulin is a key cell adhesion molecule crucial for embryonic development.
- Its synthesis and regulation during early mouse embryogenesis are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the temporal regulation of uvomorulin synthesis and processing during early mouse development.
- To examine the role of maternal versus embryonic mRNA in uvomorulin production.
- To analyze the phosphorylation status of uvomorulin at different embryonic stages.
Main Methods:
- Immunoblotting techniques were used to detect and quantify uvomorulin.
- Analysis was performed on oocytes and embryos from the unfertilized stage through the blastocyst stage.
Main Results:
- Uvomorulin is synthesized from both precursor and mature forms on maternal mRNA in oocytes.
- Maternal mRNA-directed synthesis ceases at the 2-cell stage, with embryonic genome-directed synthesis resuming later.
- Uvomorulin is detectable throughout pre-implantation development, with varying amounts and processing.
- Phosphorylation of uvomorulin is minimal in early and late 4-cell embryos but becomes prominent by the 8-cell stage.
Conclusions:
- Uvomorulin synthesis undergoes a critical transition from maternal to embryonic control early in development.
- The phosphorylation of uvomorulin appears to be a developmentally regulated event, potentially linked to cell-cell interactions during compaction.