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Updated: Jul 17, 2026
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Multiplexed Single Cell mRNA Sequencing Analysis of Mouse Embryonic Cells
Published on: January 7, 2020
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Single-cell multiomics analyses of spindle-transferred human embryos suggest a mostly normal embryonic development
Shuyue Qi1, Wei Wang2,3, Xiaohui Xue1,4,5
1Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.
Plos Biology
|August 16, 2022
Summary
Spindle transfer (ST) may prevent mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) disease transmission. This study found ST is generally safe for embryonic development, with only a minor delay in DNA demethylation in blastocysts.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Genetics
- Developmental biology
Background:
- Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations cause incurable diseases, affecting 1 in 200 babies.
- Spindle transfer (ST) offers a potential method to prevent transmission of pathogenic mtDNA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically assess the safety and embryonic developmental effects of spindle transfer (ST).
- To analyze the genome, DNA methylome, and transcriptome of ST and control blastocysts using single-cell triple omics sequencing.
Main Methods:
- Single-cell triple omics sequencing was employed to analyze genome (copy number variation), DNA methylome, and transcriptome.
- ST and control blastocysts were systematically compared.
Main Results:
- The percentage of aneuploid cells in ST blastocysts did not significantly differ from controls.
- RNA expression profiles in ST blastocysts were comparable to controls, but DNA demethylation in trophectoderm (TE) cells was slightly delayed.
Conclusions:
- Spindle transfer (ST) appears generally safe for embryonic development.
- A minor delay in DNA demethylation at the blastocyst stage was observed in ST embryos, warranting further investigation.
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