Project description:Background Alternative splicing is known to increase the complexity of mammalian transcriptomes since nearly all mammalian genes express multiple pre-mRNA isoforms. However, our knowledge of the extent and function of alternative splicing in early embryonic development is based mainly on a few isolated examples. High throughput technologies now allow us to study genome-wide alternative splicing during mouse development. Results A genome-wide analysis of alternative isoform expression in embryonic day 8.5, 9.5 and 11.5 mouse embryos and placenta was carried out using a splicing-sensitive exon microarray. We show that alternative splicing and isoform expression is frequent across developmental stages and tissues, and is comparable in frequency to the variation in whole-transcript expression. The genes that are alternatively spliced across our samples are disproportionately involved in important developmental processes. Finally, we find that a number of RNA binding proteins, including putative splicing factors, are differentially expressed and spliced across our samples suggesting that such proteins may be involved in regulating tissue and temporal variation in isoform expression. Using an example of a well characterized splicing factor, Fox2, we demonstrate that changes in Fox2 expression levels can be used to predict changes in inclusion levels of alternative exons that are flanked by Fox2 binding sites. Conclusions We propose that alternative splicing is an important developmental regulatory mechanism. We further propose that gene expression should routinely be monitored at both the whole transcript and the isoform level in developmental studies. 25 samples were analyzed. Developmental stages e8.5, e9.5 and e11.5 (embryos from all 3, placenta for only e9.5 and e11.5). 5 biological replicates for each.
Project description:Genomic instability is the main cause of abnormal embryo development and abortion. NLRP7 dysfunctions affect embryonic development and lead to Hydatidiform Moles, but the underlying mechanisms remain largely elusive. Here, we show that NLRP7 knockout affects the genetic stability, resulting in increased DNA damage in both human embryonic stem cells and blastoids, making embryonic cells in blastoids more susceptible to apoptosis. Mechanistically, NLRP7 can interact with factors related to alternative splicing and DNA damage response, including DDX39B, PRPF8, THRAP3 and PARP1. Moreover, NLRP7 dysfunction leads to abnormal AS of genes involved in Homologous recombination in human embryonic stem cells, Such as Brca1 and Rad51. These results indicate that NLRP7-mediated Alternative splicing is potentially required for the maintenance of genome integrity during early human embryogenesis. Together, this study uncovers that NLRP7 plays an essential role in the maintenance of genetic stability during early human embryonic development by regulating alternative splicing of Homologous Recombination-related genes.
Project description:Background Alternative splicing is known to increase the complexity of mammalian transcriptomes since nearly all mammalian genes express multiple pre-mRNA isoforms. However, our knowledge of the extent and function of alternative splicing in early embryonic development is based mainly on a few isolated examples. High throughput technologies now allow us to study genome-wide alternative splicing during mouse development. Results A genome-wide analysis of alternative isoform expression in embryonic day 8.5, 9.5 and 11.5 mouse embryos and placenta was carried out using a splicing-sensitive exon microarray. We show that alternative splicing and isoform expression is frequent across developmental stages and tissues, and is comparable in frequency to the variation in whole-transcript expression. The genes that are alternatively spliced across our samples are disproportionately involved in important developmental processes. Finally, we find that a number of RNA binding proteins, including putative splicing factors, are differentially expressed and spliced across our samples suggesting that such proteins may be involved in regulating tissue and temporal variation in isoform expression. Using an example of a well characterized splicing factor, Fox2, we demonstrate that changes in Fox2 expression levels can be used to predict changes in inclusion levels of alternative exons that are flanked by Fox2 binding sites. Conclusions We propose that alternative splicing is an important developmental regulatory mechanism. We further propose that gene expression should routinely be monitored at both the whole transcript and the isoform level in developmental studies.