REDR2002 Reproduction in Domestic Ruminants V Pre-natal Programming of Lifetime Productivity and Health (4 abstracts)
Gene expression in the developing embryo and fetus
J Taylor 1 , H Fairburn 1 , N Beaujean 1,2 , R Meehan 2 & L Young 3
1Division of Gene Expression and Development, Roslin Institute, Roslin, Midlothian EH125 9PS, UK; 2Department of Biochemistry, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK; and 3Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Human Development, University of Nottingham, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
Determining the stage- and tissue-specific patterns of gene expression shown by the embryo and fetus will provide information about the control of normal development. Identification of alterations in these patterns associated with specific abnormal phenotypes will also be informative regarding the underlying molecular mechanisms. In addition, qualitative and quantitative changes in gene expression that deviate from the norm may provide a potential marker system for predicting future developmental defects, a system that would be particularly useful in preimplantation embryo technologies before recipient transfer. However, there are a number of important issues regarding the interpretation and relevance of many gene expression studies currently undertaken that are often not considered or are ignored. Even when rigorous methodology is applied to detect differences in gene expression, their functional significance is rarely defined. This review discusses the relevance of gene expression changes as diagnostic markers in relation to protein and epigenetic changes and indicates that gene expression studies should be rigorously designed and interpreted to yield meaningful results.
© 2003 Society for Reproduction and Fertility
Volume 5
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