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Published on: July 24, 2013
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Transgenic Bax gene efficiently induces lethality in mouse early embryos
Yuzuki Goto1, Takuto Yamamoto1, Masahiro Sakata1
1Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan.
The Journal of Reproduction and Development
|December 21, 2025
Summary
Bax demonstrated the strongest lethality in mouse embryos, unlike Casp3. This research clarifies the comparative impact of pro-apoptotic genes on embryonic development.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Apoptosis is crucial for development, immunity, and tissue maintenance.
- Comparative lethality of pro-apoptotic genes in early embryos is understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the lethality-inducing potential of Bax, Casp3, and Casp9 in mouse early embryos.
- To investigate the impact of these genes on blastocyst formation and DNA damage.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a doxycycline (Dox)-inducible system with the PiggyBac transposon.
- Expressed Bax, Casp3, and Casp9 in mouse early embryos under Dox induction.
- Assessed blastocyst formation, DNA damage (γH2AX), and apoptotic cell markers.
Main Results:
- Bax exhibited the highest lethality, followed by Casp9; Casp3 had no significant effect.
- Bax expression severely inhibited blastocyst formation.
- Bax induced significant DNA damage (γH2AX) and increased apoptosis.
Conclusions:
- Upstream apoptotic regulators like Bax are more potent in activating apoptosis.
- Findings enhance understanding of apoptosis in embryonic development.
- Implications for regenerative medicine, reproductive engineering, and cancer research.
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