Activation of embryonic genes during preimplantation rat development.
Expression of the embryonic genome has been examined during preimplantation rat development. Proteins synthesized at different stages of embryogenesis were labelled with [35S]methionine and then separated by one-dimensional gel electrophoresis. A major transformation in the pattern of protein synthesis has been observed between the two- and the four-cell stages of embryonic development. Also the culture of embryos with an inhibitor of transcription (alpha-amanitin) has shown that the first alpha-amanitin-sensitive events take place during the late two-cell stage. However, inhibition of transcription does not arrest the embryo development up to the four-cell stage. Taken together, the results indicate that in rats the initiation of embryonic gene activation occurs at the late two-cell stage. However, the first two cleavage divisions can occur in the absence of transcription.
Zernicka-Goetz
M
M
Department of Zoology, Oxford University, England.
D000546:Amanitins / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D001755:Blastocyst / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D046508:Culture Techniques; D047108:Embryonic Development / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000187:drug effects; D011247:Pregnancy; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D014158:Transcription, Genetic / Q000187:drug effects; D015533:Transcriptional Activation
D000546:Amanitins