Messenger RNA expression of Pabpnl1 and Mbd3l2 genes in oocytes and cleavage embryos.
OBJECTIVE
To identify genes specifically expressed in mammalian oocytes using an in silico subtraction, and to characterize the mRNA patterns of selected genes in oocytes, embryos, and adult tissues.


METHODS
Comparison between oocyte groups and between early embryo stages.


METHODS
Laboratories of embryo manipulation and molecular biology from Departamento de Genética (FMRP) and Departamento de Ciências Básicas (FZEA)--University of São Paulo.


METHODS
Oocytes were collected from slaughtered cows for measurements, in vitro fertilization, and in vitro embryo culture. Somatic tissue, excluding gonad and uterus tissue, was collected from male and female cattle.


METHODS
Messenger RNA levels of poly(A)-binding protein nuclear-like 1 (Pabpnl1) and methyl-CpG-binding domain protein 3-like 2 (Mbd3l2).


RESULTS
Pabpnl1 mRNA was found to be expressed in oocytes, and Mbd3l2 transcripts were present in embryos. Quantification of Pabpnl1 transcripts showed no difference in levels between good- and bad-quality oocytes before in vitro maturation (IVM) or between good-quality oocytes before and after IVM. However, Pabpnl1 transcripts were not detected in bad-quality oocytes after IVM. Transcripts of the Mbd3l2 gene were found in 4-cell, 8-cell, and morula-stage embryos, with the highest level observed in 8-cell embryos.


CONCLUSIONS
Pabpnl1 gene expression is restricted to oocytes and Mbd3l2 to embryos. Different Pabpnl1 mRNA levels in oocytes of varying viability suggest an important role in fertility involving the oocyte potential for embryo development.
Biase
Fernando Henrique
FH
Departamento de Ciências Básicas, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Brazil.
Martelli
Lúcia
L
Puga
Renato
R
Giuliatti
Silvana
S
Santos-Biase
Weruska Karyna Freitas
WK
Fonseca Merighe
Giovana Krempel
GK
Meirelles
Flávio Vieira
FV
D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D002970:Cleavage Stage, Ovum / Q000378:metabolism*; D019295:Computational Biology; D046149:Embryo Culture Techniques / Q000662:veterinary; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000662:veterinary; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D008297:Male; D051783:Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2 / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D009865:Oocytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D039102:Poly(A)-Binding Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism*
D051783:Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2; D039102:Poly(A)-Binding Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger