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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
08:43
Loss- and Gain-of-function Approach to Investigate Early Cell Fate Determinants in Preimplantation Mouse Embryos
Published on: June 6, 2016
Dynamic changes in gene expression during human early embryo development: from fundamental aspects to clinical
Said Assou1, Imène Boumela, Delphine Haouzi
1CHU Montpellier, Institute for Research in Biotherapy, Hôpital Saint-Eloi, INSERM U847, Montpellier, France.
Human Reproduction Update
|August 19, 2010
Summary
Early human embryonic development involves complex gene expression changes. Omics technologies reveal molecular signatures crucial for understanding totipotency, pluripotency, and improving in vitro fertilization success rates.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology and developmental science.
- Genomics and transcriptomics.
Background:
- Human embryonic development transforms germ cells into pluripotent stem cells.
- Understanding early development is key to improving in vitro fertilization (IVF) success.
- Omics technologies provide extensive data on molecular signatures of early development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the genetic network governing the first week of human embryonic development.
- To analyze gene expression profiles of human oocytes, embryos, and embryonic stem cells.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of 165 studies up to March 2010 (PubMed, EMBASE).
- Transcriptome analysis of human oocytes, embryos (Day 3), and human embryonic stem cells (hESCs).
Main Results:
- Distinct gene sets identified in oocytes, Day 3 embryos, and hESCs, correlating with totipotency, pluripotency, and reprogramming.
- WNT and transforming growth factor-β signaling pathways implicated in oocyte maturation and early embryonic development.
Conclusions:
- Omics analysis offers insights into molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways controlling early embryonic development.
- Non-invasive molecular approaches for embryo selection can benefit single-embryo transfer programs.
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