Constitutive expression of TNF-alpha and -beta genes in mouse embryo: roles of cytokines as regulator and effector on development
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C Kohchi1, K Noguchi, Y Tanabe
1Biotechnology Research Center, Teikyo University, kanagawa-ken, Japan.
Abstract:
1. Using the RT/PCR method, we examined mRNA expression of several inflammatory factors in mouse embryos during mid-late embryonal development. mRNAs of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, TNF-beta, their receptors (TNF-RI, TNF-RII), transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta, were expressed constitutively in most of the embryonic tissues. 2. While mRNAs of other factors, interleukin (IL)-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-3, IL-6, granurocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF), and interferon (IFN)-gamma were only limitedly expressed. 3. The mRNAs of several complement components (C2, C3, C4, C5) and receptors (CR1, CR2) were also detected. Among them, the expression of C3 and CR1 were prominent. These results strongly support our idea that inflammation-like system play an important role to regulate embryogenesis.
Insights
Inflammation-related genes, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and complement factors, are expressed during mouse embryonic development. This suggests an inflammation-like system is crucial for regulating embryogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Embryogenesis involves complex molecular signaling pathways.
- The role of inflammatory mediators in embryonic development is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mRNA expression of inflammatory factors and complement system components during mouse embryogenesis.
- To determine the potential role of an inflammation-like system in regulating embryonic development.
Main Methods:
- Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) was employed.
- mRNA expression levels of various cytokines, their receptors, and complement factors were analyzed.
- Analysis was conducted on mouse embryos during mid-to-late developmental stages.
Main Results:
- Constitutive mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, TNF-beta, TNF receptors (TNF-RI, TNF-RII), and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta was observed in most embryonic tissues.
- Interleukin (IL)-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-3, IL-6, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), and interferon (IFN)-gamma showed limited expression.
- Several complement components (C2, C3, C4, C5) and receptors (CR1, CR2) were detected, with prominent expression of C3 and CR1.
Conclusions:
- The inflammatory system, including cytokines and complement factors, is active during mouse embryogenesis.
- The observed expression patterns suggest that an inflammation-like system plays a significant role in regulating embryogenesis.