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Strain-specific differences in mouse oocytes and their contributions to epigenetic inheritance
1Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140.
Development (Cambridge, England)
|December 1, 1994
Summary
Egg cytoplasm affects the development of androgenetic mouse embryos. Two genetic loci likely control strain differences, with C57BL/6 alleles offering a protective function.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Egg cytoplasm influences the developmental potential of androgenetic mouse embryos.
- C57BL/6 mouse eggs support androgenone development better than DBA/2 mouse eggs.
- DBA/2 egg cytoplasm negatively impacts paternal pronuclei function.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine the number of genetic loci responsible for strain-specific differences in egg cytoplasm.
- Investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying egg modifier factors' influence on gene expression.
Main Methods:
- Backcrossing (B6D2)F1 hybrid females to DBA/2 males.
- Assaying eggs from progeny for androgenetic development support.
- Comparing protein synthesis in DBA/2 and C57BL/6 oocytes using 2D gel electrophoresis.
Main Results:
- Two independently segregating genetic loci likely account for the strain difference in egg phenotypes.
- At least 17 proteins show significant quantitative differences in synthesis rates between DBA/2 and C57BL/6 oocytes.
- C57BL/6 egg phenotype is dominant, suggesting protective allele function.
Conclusions:
- The strain difference in egg cytoplasm's effect on androgenetic development is controlled by two genetic loci.
- C57BL/6 alleles at these loci likely provide a protective function against DBA/2 cytoplasm's negative effects.
- This protective function may involve antagonizing DBA/2 alleles or providing redundant functions.