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Abnormal gene expression in regular and aggregated somatic cell nuclear transfer placentas.
Bo-Woong Sim1,2, Chae-Won Park1, Myung-Hwa Kang3
1Animal Biotechnology, Graduate School of Future Convergence Technology, Institute of Genetic Engineering, Hankyong National University, Ansung, 17579, Korea.
BMC Biotechnology
|March 29, 2017
Summary
Placental defects in cloned mice (SCNT) are linked to abnormal gene expression. Aggregating SCNT embryos with tetraploid embryos reduced this abnormal gene expression, potentially improving cloning success.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Developmental biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Placental defects are a significant complication in somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) pregnancies.
- Epigenetic reprogramming of donor cells is crucial for SCNT success.
- Previous studies noted reduced placental weight in aggregated SCNT cloned mice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate abnormal gene expression profiles in SCNT and aggregated SCNT placentas.
- To compare gene expression patterns with in vivo fertilization placentas.
- To identify genes potentially responsible for placental abnormalities in SCNT.
Main Methods:
- Microarray analysis was used to examine gene expression in placental tissues.
- Comparison of gene expression between regular SCNT, aggregated SCNT, and control (in vivo fertilization) placentas.
- Analysis of gene up-regulation and down-regulation, focusing on imprinted genes.
Main Results:
- SCNT placentas exhibited differential expression in 1.6% of probed genes compared to controls.
- Aggregated SCNT placentas showed significantly less differential gene expression (0.4%) than regular SCNT.
- Imprinted genes showed lower expression in SCNT placentas, suggesting a role in placentomegaly.
Conclusions:
- Placentomegaly in SCNT is likely due to widespread abnormal gene expression.
- The aggregation method with tetraploid embryos effectively reduces genome-wide abnormal gene expression in cloned placentas.
- This approach may mitigate placental complications associated with SCNT.
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