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Microtubules influence compaction in preimplantation mouse embryos
Journal of Embryology and Experimental Morphology
|December 1, 1984
Summary
Microtubules constrain mouse embryo compaction by influencing cell shape and timing. Taxol inhibits compaction, while Nocodazole accelerates it, revealing microtubules
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Microtubule Dynamics
Background:
- Embryo compaction is a critical process in early mammalian development.
- The precise role of microtubules in regulating compaction remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function of microtubules during the compaction of the 8-cell-stage mouse embryo.
- To elucidate the effects of microtubule polymerization and depolymerization on compaction dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Taxol to induce non-controlled tubulin polymerization, stabilizing microtubules.
- Employed Nocodazole to induce microtubule depolymerization.
- Assessed cell flattening via phase-contrast microscopy.
- Evaluated cell surface polarization using scanning electron microscopy and fluorescent concanavalin A binding.
Main Results:
- Taxol inhibited compaction in non-compacted embryos and reversed it in compacted embryos, affecting cell flattening and surface polarization.
- Nocodazole accelerated cell flattening without inhibiting it and influenced surface pole organization, reducing but not reversing established polarity.
- Microtubule disruption by Taxol demonstrated a significant impact on both cell shape and polarization.
Conclusions:
- Microtubules play a crucial constraining role during 8-cell-stage mouse embryo compaction.
- Microtubule dynamics influence the timing, cell shape, and organization of compaction.
- Targeting microtubules offers insights into regulating early embryonic development.