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Expression and function of amphiregulin during murine preimplantation development
E C Tsark1, E D Adamson, G E Withers
1Division of Reproductive Biology and Medicine, University of California at Davis 95616-8615, USA.
Molecular Reproduction and Development
|July 1, 1997
Summary
Amphiregulin (Ar) promotes mouse preimplantation embryo development. This growth factor enhances blastocyst formation and increases cell numbers, suggesting a key role in early embryonic growth.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Amphiregulin (Ar) is an epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor ligand involved in epithelial cell growth.
- Its role in early mammalian embryonic development is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and function of Amphiregulin (Ar) during mouse preimplantation development.
- To determine if Ar acts as a growth factor for early mouse embryos.
Main Methods:
- RT-PCR was used to detect Ar mRNA in mouse blastocysts.
- Immunofluorescence identified Ar protein localization in morula and blastocyst stages.
- Embryo culture experiments were performed with and without Ar, or with antisense Ar oligonucleotides.
Main Results:
- Ar mRNA and protein were detected in mouse morula and blastocyst embryos.
- Embryos cultured with Ar showed accelerated blastocyst formation and increased cell numbers.
- Inhibition of Ar with antisense oligonucleotides slowed blastocyst development and reduced cell count.
Conclusions:
- Amphiregulin (Ar) is expressed in mouse preimplantation embryos and functions as an autocrine growth factor.
- Ar promotes blastocyst formation and increases embryonic cell proliferation.
- Both Ar and TGF-alpha stimulate blastocyst formation, but Ar has a stronger effect on cell proliferation.