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Updated: Jul 6, 2026
Single-Cell RNA Sequencing of Mutant Whole Mouse Embryos: From the Epiblast to the End of Gastrulation
Published on: June 14, 2024
Identification of genes differentially expressed in mouse fetuses from streptozotocin-induced diabetic pregnancy by
Nanako Sato1, Yoshihisa Sugimura, Yoshitaka Hayashi
1Department of Genetics, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan.
Abstract:
Epidemiological studies have shown that the risks of fetal malformation such as neural tube defects increase in diabetic pregnancy. To explore the mechanism of fetal malformation induced by diabetes, cDNA subtraction using mouse embryos (E9.5) of diabetic dams and those of controls was performed to identify differentially expressed genes. The expression level of genes identified by cDNA subtraction was further verified by quantitative RT-PCR using E8.5 embryos, and differential expression of 4 genes, Brcc3, Commd3, Ddx1, and SET was confirmed. We also analyzed the expression level of neural tube defect-related genes, and found that Folbp1, EphrinA5 and Sox10 were differentially expressed. Altered expression of these genes mostly persisted throughout the later stages of the development (E10.5-14.5). Hierarchical clustering analysis showed correlation between expression levels of these genes, suggesting that these genes cooperatively play a role in embryonic development. Our results suggest that an altered gene expression profile in embryos underlies the development of congenital malformation in diabetic pregnancies.
Insights
Diabetic pregnancy increases fetal malformation risks. This study identified altered gene expression in mouse embryos, revealing potential mechanisms for congenital malformations in diabetic pregnancies.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Genetics
- Reproductive medicine
Background:
- Diabetic pregnancy is linked to increased fetal malformations, including neural tube defects.
- The underlying molecular mechanisms remain incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify differentially expressed genes in mouse embryos from diabetic dams.
- To elucidate the molecular basis of congenital malformations in diabetic pregnancies.
Main Methods:
- Utilized cDNA subtraction to identify genes with altered expression in mouse embryos (E9.5) from diabetic versus control dams.
- Confirmed differential gene expression using quantitative RT-PCR (E8.5) and analyzed neural tube defect-related genes.
- Assessed gene expression persistence (E10.5-14.5) and performed hierarchical clustering analysis.
Main Results:
- Identified differential expression of four genes: Brcc3, Commd3, Ddx1, and SET.
- Found altered expression of neural tube defect-related genes: Folbp1, EphrinA5, and Sox10.
- Observed persistent altered expression and correlated expression patterns, suggesting cooperative roles in embryonic development.
Conclusions:
- Altered gene expression profiles in embryos are implicated in congenital malformations associated with diabetic pregnancies.
- Specific genes identified may serve as targets for understanding and potentially preventing these malformations.
