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Embryonic Stem Cells00:58

Embryonic Stem Cells

Embryonic stem (ES) cells are undifferentiated pluripotent cells, meaning they can produce any cell type in the body. This gives them tremendous potential in science and medicine since they can generate specific cell types for use in research or to replace body cells lost due to damage or disease.
Embryonic Stem Cells00:57

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Visualizing Zygotic Genome Activation In Single Cells of Early Embryos
07:30

Visualizing Zygotic Genome Activation In Single Cells of Early Embryos

Published on: April 3, 2026

[Embryonic genome activation].

M Jeanblanc1, J Salvaing, K Mason

  • 1UMR 1198, biologie du développement et reproduction, INRA, domaine de Vilvert, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France.

Gynecologie, Obstetrique & Fertilite
|October 17, 2008
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Mammalian embryonic genome activation (EGA) begins after fertilization, initially with low activity, then rapidly increases. This process requires maternal factors and chromatin remodeling for development.

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Last Updated: Jun 28, 2026

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Prediction and Validation of Gene Regulatory Elements Activated During Retinoic Acid Induced Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation

Published on: June 21, 2016

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Biology
  • Epigenetics
  • Genomics

Background:

  • Post-fertilization mammalian embryos are transcriptionally silent, relying on maternal factors for initial development.
  • Embryonic Genome Activation (EGA) marks the transition to the embryo's own gene expression.
  • EGA timing and regulation vary across species during preimplantation stages.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the two-phase process of embryonic genome activation (EGA) in mammals.
  • To understand the role of maternal factors and chromatin remodeling in initiating embryonic transcription.
  • To identify key regulatory events governing the onset of major EGA.

Main Methods:

  • Assessing transcriptional activity using precursor incorporation into newly synthesized RNA.
  • Utilizing reporter gene expression to monitor gene activation.
  • Analyzing chromatin remodeling events in early embryonic nuclei.

Main Results:

  • EGA occurs in two distinct phases: a minor phase with low, factor-independent transcription, followed by a major phase with rapid transcriptional increase.
  • The major phase of EGA is crucial for subsequent embryonic development, requiring newly synthesized RNA and proteins.
  • EGA is dependent on basal transcriptional machinery and significant chromatin remodeling of maternal and paternal genomes post-fertilization.

Conclusions:

  • Embryonic genome activation is a critical, multi-phase developmental event in mammals.
  • Chromatin remodeling plays a pivotal role in regulating the timing and initiation of EGA.
  • Understanding EGA is essential for comprehending early mammalian development and potential reproductive challenges.