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Updated: Dec 14, 2025
Meiotic Spindle Assessment in Mouse Oocytes by siRNA-mediated Silencing
Published on: October 11, 2015
Inhibition of survivin induces spindle disorganization, chromosome misalignment, and DNA damage during mouse embryo
Meng-Hao Pan1, Jia-Qian Ju1, Xiao-Han Li1
1College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University , Nanjing, China.
Abstract:
The early embryonic development is important for the subsequent embryo implantation, and any defects in this process can lead to embryonic aneuploidy, which causes miscarriage and birth defects. Survivin is the member of inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family, and it is also an essential subunit of chromosomal passenger complex (CPC), which regulates both apoptosis and cell cycle control in many models. However, the roles of survivin in mouse early embryos remain unclear. In the present study, we showed that survivin activity was essential for mouse early embryo development. Our results showed that survivin mainly accumulated at chromosomes at metaphase stage and located at the spindle midzone at anaphase and telophase stages during the first cleavage. Loss of survivin activity led to the failure of cleavage in early mouse embryos. Further analysis indicated that survivin involved into spindle organization and chromosome alignment. Moreover, inhibition of survivin induced oxidative stress and DNA damage, showing with the increase of ROS level, the positive γH2A signal, and the increase of Rad51 level. We also observed the occurrence of autophagy and apoptosis in the survivin-inhibited embryos. In summary, our study suggested that survivin was a critical regulator for early embryo development through its regulation on spindle organization, chromosome alignment, and DNA damage.
Insights
Survivin is essential for early mouse embryo development, regulating cell division and chromosome alignment. Its loss causes developmental failure, oxidative stress, and DNA damage, highlighting its critical role.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Early embryonic development is crucial for successful implantation and preventing birth defects.
- Survivin, a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family, plays roles in apoptosis and cell cycle control.
- The specific function of survivin in mouse early embryos was previously unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the essential roles of survivin in mouse early embryonic development.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which survivin influences early embryogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Studied survivin localization during the first cleavage in mouse embryos.
- Assessed the impact of survivin inhibition on embryonic development and cell cycle progression.
- Analyzed spindle organization, chromosome alignment, oxidative stress markers (ROS, γH2A, Rad51), autophagy, and apoptosis.
Main Results:
- Survivin accumulates at chromosomes during metaphase and the spindle midzone during anaphase/telophase.
- Loss of survivin activity resulted in failed cleavage in early mouse embryos.
- Survivin inhibition led to defects in spindle organization, chromosome alignment, increased oxidative stress, DNA damage, autophagy, and apoptosis.
Conclusions:
- Survivin activity is critical for successful mouse early embryonic development.
- Survivin regulates key processes including spindle organization and chromosome alignment.
- Inhibition of survivin triggers detrimental cellular responses such as oxidative stress and DNA damage, impacting embryo viability.
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