Identification of proteins in the equine embryonic capsule.
Abstract: An acellular embryonic capsule envelops equine conceptuses between day 6 and day 23 after ovulation. As all of the factors mediating embryo-mother signalling must pass through the capsule, it acts like a 'mailbox'. Therefore, we have started to map the proteins in this special extracellular matrix at the interface between mother and embryo. In the present study, one- and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis were used to examine a range of proteins. Use of western blotting identified three specific proteins in the capsules of equine conceptuses recovered on day 16 after ovulation: insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3), a 19 kDa uterine lipocalin (P19) and heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (HB-EGF). Western blotting of two-dimensional SDS-PAGE gels revealed the isoelectric points (pI values) of these proteins: IGFBP-3 was detected as the non-glycosylated 32 kDa form with two isoforms at about pI value 5.8; P19 had a pI value of 9.1; and several isoforms of HB-EGF were detected with molecular masses of approximately 28 kDa and a pI value range of 5.8-6.2. The origin of HB-EGF is not known, but IGFBP-3 is embryonic and P19 is maternal in origin and is thought to be a transport protein. In addition to playing a protective role, and probably also contributing to the mobility of the young conceptus within the uterus, the capsule may be thought of as the extracellular matrix of the embryo, which modulates the complex embryo-maternal signalling processes that take place during early pregnancy in mares.
Publication Date: 2000-01-01 PubMed ID: 20681175
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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This research paper is about the identification of proteins in an acellular envelope (embryonic capsule) that surrounds horse embryos between 6 and 23 days after ovulation. These proteins play a critical role in mediating the communication between the mother and the embryo.
Objective of the Study
- In this research, the authors sought to identify, locate, and map the proteins present in the equine embryonic capsule. This acellular structure surrounds the horse embryo and acts as a bridge for communication and signal exchange between the mother and the embryo during early pregnancy.
Methods Used in the Study
- The researchers used one- and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, a procedure that separates proteins based on their mass and charge, respectively, to examine a range of proteins.
- A method called western blotting was also employed to identify three specific proteins: insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3), a 19 kDa uterine lipocalin (P19) and heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (HB-EGF).
Findings of the Study
- The western blotting method revealed that IGFBP-3 was present in a non-glycosylated 32 kDa form with two isoforms exhibiting a pI value (indicates the pH at which the protein has no net charge) of about 5.8.
- Meanwhile, P19 was found with a pI value of 9.1.
- Several isoforms of the protein HB-EGF were revealed, exhibiting molecular masses of approximately 28 kDa and a pI value range of 5.8-6.2.
- Regarding their origin, it was clarified that while the source of HB-EGF remains unknown, IGFBP-3 is embryonic and P19 is maternal, possibly functioning as a transport protein.
Significance of the Study
- This research amplifies our understanding of the embryonic-maternal communication and signal exchange process during early pregnancy stages in horses.
- Identifying the proteins in the embryonic capsule and understanding their roles could help develop strategies to facilitate successful pregnancies, especially when complications arise, and could be applied in other mammalian species.
Cite This Article
APA
Herrler A, Stewart F, Crossett B, Pell JM, Ellis PD, Beier HM, Allen WR.
(2000).
Identification of proteins in the equine embryonic capsule.
J Reprod Fertil Suppl(56), 601-606.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- University of Cambridge, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Equine Fertility Unit, Mertoun Paddocks, Newmarket CB8 9BH, UK.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Extraembryonic Membranes / physiology
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / physiology
- Heparin-binding EGF-like Growth Factor
- Horses / embryology
- Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Proteins / genetics
- Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Proteins / metabolism
- Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / genetics
- Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism
- Lipocalins / genetics
- Lipocalins / metabolism
- Maternal-Fetal Exchange / physiology
- Pregnancy
Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Gibson C, de Ruijter-Villani M, Bauersachs S, Stout TAE. Asynchronous Embryo Transfer Followed by Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis of Conceptus Membranes and Endometrium Identifies Processes Important to the Establishment of Equine Pregnancy.. Int J Mol Sci 2020 Apr 7;21(7).
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