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Spectrin synthesis in the preimplantation mouse embryo
1Department of Anatomical Sciences, State University of New York, Buffalo 14214.
Developmental Biology
|August 1, 1988
Summary
Embryonic spectrin synthesis begins early in mouse development, with both alpha- and beta-spectrin subunits assembling into the cytoskeleton by the blastocyst stage. Cell-cell contact may influence this spectrin assembly process in early embryos.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Preimplantation mouse embryos express polypeptides antigenically related to brain spectrin subunits.
- Spectrin, a key cytoskeletal protein, plays roles in cell structure and signaling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the synthesis and assembly of spectrin subunits during mouse preimplantation development.
- To determine the relationship between spectrin assembly and cell-cell contact in early embryos.
Main Methods:
- Preimplantation mouse embryos at various developmental stages were metabolically labeled with L-[35S]methionine.
- Spectrin subunit synthesis was analyzed in Triton-soluble and Triton-insoluble fractions.
- Assembly of newly synthesized spectrin into the Triton-insoluble cytoskeletal fraction was assessed.
Main Results:
- Embryonic spectrin synthesis initiates in the Triton-soluble fraction.
- Significant alpha-spectrin synthesis is detected by the morula stage, and beta-spectrin by the blastocyst stage.
- Both alpha- and beta-spectrin subunits are incorporated into the cytoskeleton in equal amounts during the blastocyst stage.
Conclusions:
- Embryonic spectrin synthesis and assembly occur progressively during preimplantation development.
- The temporal and spatial correlation of spectrin assembly with cell-cell contact suggests a regulatory role for cell adhesion in spectrin incorporation into the cytoskeleton.