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Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics

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Open Access 01-08-2016 | Embryo Biology

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

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

Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics | Issue 8/2016

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine which genes and gene pathways are differentially expressed when comparing human blastocysts with cleavage-stage embryos.

Methods

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.

Results

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.

Conclusions

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.

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Title: Differentially expressed genes in preimplantation human embryos: potential candidate genes for blastocyst formation and implantation
Authors: Erika M. Munch
Amy E. Sparks
Jesus Gonzalez Bosquet
Lane K. Christenson
Eric J. Devor
Bradley J. Van Voorhis
Publication date: 01-08-2016
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics / Issue 8/2016
Print ISSN: 1058-0468
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7330
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-016-0745-x

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

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

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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