Gatekeeper of pluripotency: A common Oct4 transcriptional network operates in mouse eggs and embryonic stem cells
2011

Oct4 Transcriptional Network in Mouse Eggs and Embryonic Stem Cells

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Zuccotti Maurizio, Merico Valeria, Bellone Michele, Mulas Francesca, Sacchi Lucia, Rebuzzini Paola, Prigione Alessandro, Redi Carlo A, Bellazzi Riccardo, Adjaye James, Garagna Silvia

Primary Institution: Universita' degli Studi di Parma

Hypothesis

The study investigates whether the Oct4 transcriptional network is established during oogenesis or after fertilization.

Conclusion

The study reveals a developmental link between mouse eggs, early preimplantation embryos, and embryonic stem cells, indicating that the molecular signature of ESC identity originates in oogenesis.

Supporting Evidence

  • The Oct4 transcriptional network consists of 182 genes, with 80 genes being inherited by the 2-cell embryo.
  • 37 of the Oct4-OETN genes are known to be expressed in cancer cells.
  • The study provides a resource for further investigation into Oct4 function during the maternal-to-embryo transition.

Takeaway

This study found that a special group of genes, controlled by a factor called Oct4, helps mouse eggs develop properly and is also important for early embryos and stem cells.

Methodology

The study compared the genome-wide transcriptional profiles of developmentally competent and incompetent mouse eggs and 2-cell embryos using microarray analysis.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.0039

Statistical Significance

p<0.01

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2164-12-345

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication