Gene expression analysis of single preimplantation bovine embryos and the consequence for developmental potential

Preimplantation embryo development typically involves sequential morphological events connecting embryonic cleavage, morula compaction and blastocyst formation, and occurs in parallel with transcriptional regulation, specifically, the maternal to embryonic transition. The underlying homeostatic and metabolic mechanisms governing embryo development are influenced by both genetic and epigenetic factors that respond to environmental stimuli and may impact development during later gestational and fetal growth. There is a renewed interest in the identification and characterization of developmentally important genes during embryonic and fetal development. Perturbations in gene expression, resulting from environmental conditions, can have serious consequences on further embryonic development, homeostasis and disease pathogenesis. The bovine embryo is, however, capable of tolerating and adapting to a wide range of conditions, although little is known of the molecular fingerprint required for oocyte maturation, fertilization and development to term. The genomic revolution united with promising new technologies offer greater opportunity to elucidate the mechanisms behind this well-orchestrated biological process. This paper reviews the current literature on gene expression in the bovine embryo with reference to environmental interference and the development of new technologies to observe this biological process. Defining the difference in molecular signalling between in vivo and in vitro systems will undoubtedly improve the safety and efficiency of assisted reproductive technologies. The future challenge is to devise culture conditions that mimic the changing environment required by developing embryos to allow the correct temporal and spatial expression of a cohort of developmental genes in a manner similar to that seen in