Traf4 (Tumor necrosis factor Receptor Associated Factor 4) is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) - associated factors (TRAFs) family. TRAF4 is overexpressed in tumor cells such as breast cancer and associated with cytoskeleton and membrane fraction. Interestingly, TRAF4 was localized with tight junctions (TJs) proteins including OCLN and TJP1 in mammary epithelial cells. However, the expression patterns and biological function of Traf4 were not examined in preimplantation mouse embryos although Traf4-deficient mouse showed embryonic lethality or various dramatic malformation. In this study, we examined the temporal and spatial expression patterns of mouse Traf4 during preimplantation development by qRT-PCR and immunostaining, and its biological function by using siRNA injection. We found upregulation of Traf4 from the 8-cell stage onwards and apical region of cell – cell contact sites at morula and blastocyst embryos. Moreover, Traf4 knockdown led to defective TJs without alteration of genes associated with TJ assembly but elevated p21 expression at the KD morula. Taken together, Traf4 is required for TJs assembly and cell proliferation during morula to blastocyst transition.
목차
ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION MATERIALS AND METHODS Embryo collection and microinjection Real-time quantitative PCR Immunocytochemistry FITC-dextran uptake assay Statistical analysis RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Expression of TRAF4 in mouse preimplantation embryos Effects of Traf4 KD on preimplantation embryo development Effects of Traf4 KD on the gene expression associated with TJs and the cell cycle CONCLUSION REFERENCES
키워드
blastocystpreimplantationp21tight junctionTraf4
저자
Jian Lee [ Dairy Science Division, National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Cheonan 31000, Korea, Division of Animal and Dairy Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea ]
Inchul Choi [ Division of Animal and Dairy Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea ]
Corresponding Author