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Updated: May 30, 2026
A Method for Microinjection of Patiria minata Zygotes
Published on: September 1, 2014
Automated microinjection of recombinant BCL-X into mouse zygotes enhances embryo development
Xinyu Liu1, Roxanne Fernandes, Marina Gertsenstein
1Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering and Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Abstract:
Progression of fertilized mammalian oocytes through cleavage, blastocyst formation and implantation depends on successful implementation of the developmental program, which becomes established during oogenesis. The identification of ooplasmic factors, which are responsible for successful embryo development, is thus crucial in designing possible molecular therapies for infertility intervention. However, systematic evaluation of molecular targets has been hampered by the lack of techniques for efficient delivery of molecules into embryos. We have developed an automated robotic microinjection system for delivering cell impermeable compounds into preimplantation embryos with a high post-injection survival rate. In this paper, we report the performance of the system on microinjection of mouse embryos. Furthermore, using this system we provide the first evidence that recombinant BCL-XL (recBCL-XL) protein is effective in preventing early embryo arrest imposed by suboptimal culture environment. We demonstrate that microinjection of recBCL-XL protein into early-stage embryos repairs mitochondrial bioenergetics, prevents reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, and enhances preimplantation embryo development. This approach may lead to a possible treatment option for patients with repeated in vitro fertilization (IVF) failure due to poor embryo quality.
Insights
A new robotic microinjection system efficiently delivers compounds into embryos. This technology shows recombinant BCL-XL protein prevents embryo arrest by improving mitochondrial function and reducing oxidative stress, aiding in vitro fertilization success.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Embryo development relies on ooplasmic factors established during oogenesis.
- Identifying these factors is key for infertility therapies, but efficient molecular delivery into embryos is challenging.
- Current limitations hinder systematic evaluation of molecular targets for improving embryo development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate an automated robotic microinjection system for delivering molecules into preimplantation embryos.
- To investigate the efficacy of recombinant BCL-XL (recBCL-XL) protein in preventing early embryo arrest.
- To explore the molecular mechanisms by which recBCL-XL protein impacts embryo development.
Main Methods:
- Development of an automated robotic microinjection system for precise delivery of cell-impermeable compounds.
- Microinjection of mouse preimplantation embryos with recBCL-XL protein.
- Assessment of embryo survival rates, mitochondrial bioenergetics, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and developmental progression.
Main Results:
- The robotic microinjection system demonstrated high post-injection survival rates in mouse embryos.
- Microinjection of recBCL-XL protein effectively prevented early embryo arrest under suboptimal culture conditions.
- recBCL-XL protein treatment repaired mitochondrial bioenergetics, reduced ROS accumulation, and enhanced preimplantation embryo development.
Conclusions:
- The automated microinjection system provides an efficient method for molecular delivery into embryos.
- Recombinant BCL-XL protein shows significant potential in overcoming early embryo developmental arrest.
- This approach offers a promising therapeutic strategy for improving embryo quality in cases of recurrent in vitro fertilization failure.
