Differentially expressed genes in preimplantation human embryos: potential candidate genes for blastocyst formation and implantation

Erika M Munch; Amy E Sparks; Jesus Gonzalez Bosquet; Lane K Christenson; Eric J Devor; Bradley J Van Voorhis

doi:10.1007/s10815-016-0745-x

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Differentially expressed genes in preimplantation human embryos: potential candidate genes for blastocyst formation and implantation

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Differentially expressed genes in preimplantation human embryos: potential candidate genes for blastocyst formation and implantation

Erika M Munch, Amy E Sparks, Jesus Gonzalez Bosquet, Lane K Christenson, Eric J Devor and Bradley J Van Voorhis

Journal of assisted reproduction and genetics, Vol.33(8), pp.1017-1025

08/2016

DOI: 10.1007/s10815-016-0745-x

PMCID: PMC4974233

PMID: 27241529

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine which genes and gene pathways are differentially expressed when comparing human blastocysts with cleavage-stage embryos. We individually assessed gene expression in preimplantation human embryos at cleavage (n = 3) and blastocyst (n = 3) stages. Gene expression patterns were then validated in publically available datasets and then independently validated in vitro with additional human embryos using TaqMan gene expression assays. Immunolocalization studies were conducted to identify protein expression in intact blastocyst-stage embryos. Compared to cleavage-stage embryos, blastocyst-stage embryos differentially expressed 51 genes (p < 0.001), with overrepresentation in amoebiasis pathways and pathways in cancer. Of these 51 genes, 21 were found to be independently validated in a separate, publically available dataset, with a substantial agreement with our initial findings (κ = 0.8). In an independent set of cleavage- and blastocyst-stage embryos, we validated that six of eight tested genes were differentially expressed (p < 0.05) by RT-qPCR. Immunofluorescence studies documented the presence of two studied proteins in the trophectoderm of blastocyst-stage embryos. Differentially expressed genes may be implicated in the invasion and proliferation of the early embryo. Our research highlights specific genes that may be further studied for their role in the implantation process and additionally raises questions about localized gene and/or protein expression in the trophectoderm, which could affect protocols for, and interpretation of, trophectoderm biopsies performed in in vitro fertilization cycles.

Cell Proliferation - genetics

S100 Proteins - genetics

Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis

Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental

Humans

Blastocyst - metabolism

Embryo Implantation - genetics

Embryonic Development - genetics

Calcium-Binding Proteins - genetics

Details

Title: Subtitle: Differentially expressed genes in preimplantation human embryos: potential candidate genes for blastocyst formation and implantation
Creators: Erika M Munch - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Drive, PFP 31330, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA. erika-munch@uiowa.edu
Amy E Sparks - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Drive, PFP 31330, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
Jesus Gonzalez Bosquet - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Drive, PFP 31330, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
Lane K Christenson - Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, The University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
Eric J Devor - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Drive, PFP 31330, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
Bradley J Van Voorhis - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Drive, PFP 31330, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Journal of assisted reproduction and genetics, Vol.33(8), pp.1017-1025
DOI: 10.1007/s10815-016-0745-x
PMID: 27241529
PMCID: PMC4974233
NLM abbreviation: J Assist Reprod Genet
ISSN: 1058-0468
eISSN: 1573-7330
Publisher: Netherlands
Grant note: name: Foundation for Embryonic Competence, award: 2015
Language: English
Date published: 08/2016
Academic Unit: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Record Identifier: 9983931120502771

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