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Changes in the rate of translation with reactivation of delayed implanting mouse embryos
Abstract:
The transient embryonic diapause associated with delayed implantation in mice is characterized by decreases in the rates of synthesis of RNA and protein as well as a cessation of development. The present experiments were undertaken to examine the possibility that controls on protein synthesis at the level of translation of mRNA provide a regulatory mechanism in this situation. Rates of peptide chain elongation were determined in dormant embryos as well as in embryos that were reactivated either in vivo by estradiol-17 beta or by incubation in vitro. In dormant embryos the rate of peptide elongation was found to be approximately half that in active embryos. Although this change in translational efficiency appears to be sufficient to account for previously observed differences in overall rates of protein synthesis in dormant and reactivated embryos, the possibility that some changes also occur at the level of transcription during reactivation is not ruled out.
Insights
Embryonic diapause in mice involves reduced protein synthesis. This study found that slower peptide chain elongation during diapause significantly impacts protein synthesis rates, suggesting translational control is key.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Molecular biology
- Reproductive biology
Background:
- Embryonic diapause, a state of suspended development in mice, is linked to reduced RNA and protein synthesis.
- Understanding the regulatory mechanisms controlling protein synthesis during diapause is crucial for comprehending developmental arrest and reactivation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of translational control in regulating protein synthesis during embryonic diapause in mice.
- To determine if changes in messenger RNA (mRNA) translation efficiency contribute to developmental arrest.
Main Methods:
- Quantified rates of peptide chain elongation in dormant mouse embryos.
- Measured peptide chain elongation rates in embryos reactivated in vivo using estradiol-17 beta.
- Assessed peptide chain elongation rates in embryos reactivated in vitro.
Main Results:
- Dormant embryos exhibited peptide chain elongation rates approximately half those of actively developing embryos.
- The observed decrease in translational efficiency in dormant embryos correlates with previously documented reductions in overall protein synthesis.
Conclusions:
- Translational control, specifically reduced peptide chain elongation rates, appears to be a significant regulatory mechanism during mouse embryonic diapause.
- While translational efficiency changes are substantial, alterations in transcription during reactivation cannot be entirely excluded.