Optogenetic regulation of embryo implantation in mice using photoactivatable CRISPR-Cas9

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2020 Nov 17;117(46):28579-28581. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2016850117. Epub 2020 Nov 2.

Abstract

Embryo implantation is achieved upon successful interaction between a fertilized egg and receptive endometrium and is mediated by spatiotemporal expression of implantation-associated molecules including leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). Here we demonstrate, in mice, that LIF knockdown via a photoactivatable CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing system and illumination with a light-emitting diode can spatiotemporally disrupt fertility. This system enables dissection of spatiotemporal molecular mechanisms associated with embryo implantation and provides a therapeutic strategy for temporal control of reproductive functions in vivo.

Keywords: implantation; leukemia inhibitory factor; optogenetic; photoactivatable CRISPR-Cas9.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CRISPR-Associated Protein 9
  • CRISPR-Cas Systems
  • Embryo Implantation*
  • Fertility
  • Leukemia Inhibitory Factor / genetics
  • Leukemia Inhibitory Factor / metabolism*
  • Mice, Inbred ICR
  • Optogenetics*

Substances

  • Leukemia Inhibitory Factor
  • CRISPR-Associated Protein 9