Low expression of mitofusin 1 is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis in porcine somatic cell nuclear transfer embryos

Anim Sci J. 2020 Jan-Dec;91(1):e13430. doi: 10.1111/asj.13430.

Abstract

Mitochondria are necessary for the transition from oocyte to embryo and for early embryonic development. Mitofusin 1 is the main mediator of mitochondrial fusion and homeostasis. We investigated Mitofusin 1 expression levels in porcine somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos. The rate of blastocyst formation in SCNT embryos was reduced significantly compared with that of parthenogenetic activation embryos. SCNT embryos showed significantly decreased Mitofusin 1 expression and mitochondrial membrane potential, while exhibiting increased reactive oxygen species and apoptosis. Mitochondrial functional changes were observed in the SCNT embryos and may be correlated with low levels of Mitofusin 1 to negatively affect development.

Keywords: SCNT; mitochondria; mitofusin 1; porcine.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis / genetics*
  • Blastocyst*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Embryo Culture Techniques / veterinary
  • Embryo, Mammalian / metabolism*
  • Embryonic Development / genetics*
  • Fertilization in Vitro / veterinary
  • Gene Expression / genetics*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / genetics*
  • Genetic Association Studies / veterinary*
  • Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial / genetics*
  • Mitochondrial Membrane Transport Proteins / genetics*
  • Mitochondrial Membrane Transport Proteins / metabolism*
  • Nuclear Transfer Techniques / veterinary
  • Parthenogenesis / genetics*
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism
  • Swine / genetics*
  • Swine / physiology*

Substances

  • Mitochondrial Membrane Transport Proteins
  • Reactive Oxygen Species