TRIM21-mediated protein depletion recapitulates mutant gene phenotype in early mouse embryos
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ABSTRACT: It is often desirable to be able to regulate or impair the expression of specific genes to study early developmental events in the mammalian embryo. While DNA and RNA methods are routine, methods using proteins are still in their infancy. When proteins in the cell encounter a specific antibody and the ubiquitin-protein ligase TRIM21, a ternary complex forms with the target protein, leading to its rapid and acute degradation – hence the name ‘Trim-Away'. However, there are many unknowns in this new endeavour. First and foremost, the extent to which endogenous proteins can be depleted depends on their amount in relation to the amount of exogenous antibody, which is limited by the microinjection procedure. Secondly, the depletion of the protein must be sustained over days. Using mass spectrometry and the iBAQ algorithm, we estimate the amount of proteins found in preimplantation mouse embryos. Most of these amounts are tractable with the microinjection method presented here, which supplies 10E-4 picomoles of antibody contained in 100 picolitres, before incurring toxic effects on mouse development. Building on these data, we demonstrate the feasibility of protein knock-down for a gene which is essential in the preimplantation mouse embryo, namely TEA domain family member 4 (Tead4). Knock-down persists long enough to result in a phenotype which is entirely consistent with that of the null mutation and the RNA interference: significantly reduced mRNA expression of TEAD4 target genes Cdx2 and Gata3, failure of CDX2 nuclear translocation and the embryo’s inability to implant. We conclude that at least for a time window of 3-4 days of preimplantation development, protein depletion is on the rise as a valid alternative to DNA and RNA methods.
INSTRUMENT(S): LTQ Orbitrap Velos, Q Exactive
ORGANISM(S): Mus Musculus (mouse)
TISSUE(S): Embryo, Oocyte
SUBMITTER: Hannes Drexler
LAB HEAD: Hannes C. A. Drexler
PROVIDER: PXD012613 | Pride | 2019-09-11
REPOSITORIES: Pride
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