Onset of meiosis in the chicken embryo; evidence of a role for retinoic acid
2008
Meiosis Onset in Chicken Embryos and Retinoic Acid's Role
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Craig A. Smith, Kelly N. Roeszler, Josephine Bowles, Peter Koopman, Andrew H. Sinclair
Primary Institution: Murdoch Childrens Research Institute and University of Melbourne
Hypothesis
Does retinoic acid play a conserved role in the regulation of meiosis onset in chicken embryos?
Conclusion
The study provides evidence that retinoic acid is involved in the regulation of meiosis onset in chicken embryos.
Supporting Evidence
- Meiosis in chicken embryos starts at day 15.5, which is later than gonadal sex differentiation.
- STRA8, a pre-meiotic marker, is expressed female-specifically from embryonic day 12.5.
- Retinoic acid synthesis is indicated by the expression of RALDH2 in the left ovarian cortex.
Takeaway
In chicken embryos, the timing of when germ cells start to divide and develop into eggs is influenced by a substance called retinoic acid.
Methodology
The study involved histological analysis, whole mount in situ hybridization, and quantitative real-time PCR to assess gene expression related to meiosis.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website