Dynamic metabolism during early mammalian embryogenesis

Abstract

Dynamic metabolism is exhibited by early mammalian embryos to support changing cell fates during development. It is widely acknowledged that metabolic pathways not only satisfy cellular energetic demands, but also play pivotal roles in the process of cell signalling, gene regulation, cell proliferation and differentiation. Recently, various new technological advances have been made in metabolomics and computational analysis, deepening our understanding of the crucial role of dynamic metabolism during early mammalian embryogenesis. In this Review, we summarize recent studies on oocyte and embryo metabolism and its regulation, with a particular focus on its association with key developmental events such as fertilization, zygote genome activation and cell fate determination. In addition, we discuss the mechanisms of certain metabolites that, in addition to serving as energy sources, contribute to epigenetic modifications.

The walnut-derived peptide TW-7 improves mouse parthenogenetic embryo development of vitrified MII oocytes potentially by promoting histone lactylation

“…However, the beneficial effect of lactate addition in embryo development was displayed in 2-cell embryos and 4-cell embryos, but not in blastocysts. One possible speculation is that the embryo metabolic patterns shift gradually from the pyruvate and lactate metabolism to oxidative phosphorylation after densification [ 73 ]. However, more accurate mechanisms require further study.…”

Stem Cell-Derived Organoids, Embryoids, and Embryos: Advances in Organismic Development In Vitro Force Us to Re-Focus on Ethical and Legal Aspects of Model Choice

“…Although it has been shown that for cultivating embryoids beyond the gastrulation stage in vitro, the precise and timely delivery of oxygen, glucose, and the appropriate culture media in specialized incubators is essential [20], there is no evidence that these factors have any direct instructive function for embryonic pattern (basic body plan) development. They should be seen as nutritional needs in a more general sense [37][38][39]. In earlier years, it had indeed been proposed by some researchers that axis development (the embryonic-abembryonic axis, i.e., the precursor for the dorsoventral axis; the anterior-posterior axis), and the laying down of the basic body plan at gastrulation, might be determined by uterine factors (secreted factors or cellular interactions at implantation).…”

An intestinal DHA-PA-PG axis promotes digestive organ expansion by mediating usage of maternally-deposited yolk lipids

“…The yolk sac stores a large amount of maternal material accumulated during oogenesis, and serves as a source of nutrients for embryonic development in both viviparous and oviparous vertebrates 1,2 . The metabolism of maternal materials plays an important role in embryonic development 3,4 . Unlike viviparous embryos, oviparous embryos obtain all their nutrients from yolk, highlighting the crucial importance of proper absorption and utilization of yolk nutrients for their development.…”