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Gene transfer and expression in mouse preimplantation embryos by recombinant adenovirus vector
Author(s) -
Tsukui Tohru,
Miyake Sanae,
Azuma Sadahiro,
Ichise Hirotake,
Saito Izumu,
Toyoda Yutaka
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
molecular reproduction and development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.745
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1098-2795
pISSN - 1040-452X
DOI - 10.1002/mrd.1080420305
Subject(s) - biology , reporter gene , microinjection , blastocyst , embryo , microbiology and biotechnology , viral vector , gene , recombinant dna , gene expression , embryogenesis , genetics , virology
Replication‐defective recombinant adenovirus, Adex4SRLacZL, was used as a vector for transferring exogenous genes in mouse zona pellucida‐free eggs at the pronuclear stage. The vector contained the E. coli LacZ reporter gene under the control of the SRα promoter (SV40 early promoter‐fused HTLV‐I LTR), and the expression of the reporter gene was examined during preimplantation development in culture. Histochemical staining of the embryos for β‐galactosidase activity showed that the exogenous LacZ gene as expressed in 98% of the embryos at the morula‐blastocyst stages. As in the microinjection method, the exogenous genes could be pursued from the 2‐cell stage. Neither apparent morphological changes nor cytotoxic effects were observed. Both the percentages of embryos expressing reporter genes and the rate of development to the blastocyst stage were higher in the adenovirus vector‐treated embryos than in the microinjected ones. These results suggest that the adenovirus vector system is a useful tool in investigating the genetic control of early mammalian development. © 1995 wiley‐Liss, Inc.