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Cell death in the mammalian blastocyst
1Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Postgraduate Medical School, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK.
Molecular Human Reproduction
|December 12, 1997
Summary
Mammalian blastocysts exhibit widespread cell death, primarily apoptosis, crucial for development. Survival factors regulate this process, but its exact role and the involvement of apoptosis genes require further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Cell death, specifically apoptosis, is a common occurrence in mammalian blastocysts.
- Dying cells are observed in both the inner cell mass and trophectoderm layers.
- In vivo studies in mice suggest a significant role for this cell death in normal embryonic development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role and regulation of cell death in mammalian blastocysts.
- To explore the potential involvement of apoptosis genes in blastocyst cell death.
- To understand the implications of cell death for early embryonic development.
Main Methods:
- Morphological assessment of dying cells in blastocysts.
- In vivo studies in mouse models.
- Analysis of factors influencing cell death levels.
Main Results:
- Cell death occurs in both inner cell mass and trophectoderm.
- Apoptosis is the apparent mechanism of cell death.
- Cell death increases under suboptimal culture conditions.
- Evidence suggests regulation by embryonic and maternal survival factors.
Conclusions:
- Blastocyst cell death, likely apoptotic, is a regulated developmental process.
- Its precise role may involve eliminating abnormal cells or specific cell lineages.
- The involvement of apoptosis genes in early embryonic cell death remains an open question.