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Knockdown of Csnk1a1 results in preimplantation developmental arrest in mice
Zengyou Ma1, Haoyi Zheng2, Xiaoping Li3
1College of Animal Science and Technology, Hainan University, Hainan, Haikou, 570228, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation & Breeding of Grassland Livestock, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010021, PR China; College of Animal Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fujian, Fuzhou, 350002, PR China.
Abstract:
Casein kinase 1, alpha 1 (CSNK1A1), is a member of the highly conserved serine/threonine protein kinase family. This study was established to analyze the expression and localization of CSNK1A1 and its function in early embryonic development in mice. Csnk1a1 mRNA and protein are expressed in multiple mouse tissues including the ovary. After ovulation and fertilization, Csnk1a1 mRNA and protein were detected in preimplantation embryos and their expression was highest in two-cell-stage embryos. CSNK1A1 protein was also mainly localized in the cytoplasm of preimplantation embryos. Moreover, knockdown of Csnk1a1 in zygotes led to a significant decrease in the rate of blastocyst formation. Furthermore, treatment of zygotes with the CSNK1A1-specific inhibitor D4476 also resulted in embryonic developmental arrest. These results provide the first evidence for a novel function of CSNK1A1 in early embryonic development in mice.
Insights
Casein kinase 1, alpha 1 (CSNK1A1) plays a crucial role in early mouse embryonic development. Its expression and localization are vital for successful preimplantation embryo development and blastocyst formation.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Casein kinase 1, alpha 1 (CSNK1A1) is a conserved serine/threonine protein kinase.
- CSNK1A1 is expressed in various mouse tissues, including the ovary.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression, localization, and function of CSNK1A1 in early mouse embryonic development.
- To determine the role of CSNK1A1 in preimplantation embryo development.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Csnk1a1 mRNA and protein expression in mouse tissues and preimplantation embryos.
- Immunolocalization studies to determine CSNK1A1 protein localization in embryos.
- Functional studies involving Csnk1a1 knockdown and treatment with a CSNK1A1-specific inhibitor (D4476) in zygotes.
Main Results:
- Csnk1a1 mRNA and protein are present in preimplantation embryos, with peak expression at the two-cell stage.
- CSNK1A1 protein is primarily localized in the cytoplasm of preimplantation embryos.
- Knockdown of Csnk1a1 or inhibition of CSNK1A1 activity significantly impaired blastocyst formation and led to developmental arrest.
Conclusions:
- CSNK1A1 plays a novel and essential role in early mouse embryonic development.
- CSNK1A1 is critical for successful preimplantation development, including blastocyst formation.
