Cell Dynamics in Early Embryogenesis and Pluripotent Embryonic Cell Lines: From Sea Urchin to Mammals
2009
From
oogenesisthrough fertilization and
gastrulation, embryos use various mechanisms to regulate cell expansion, keeping a strict balance between cell proliferation, cell differentiation and cell death. While rapid divisions are necessary at the initial stage to ensure early embryo survival, further developmental transitions are marked by changes in cell cycle and
transcriptional regulation. Pluripotency and capability of self-renewal are maintained in a low percentage of cells, the
embryonic stem cells(ESCs), which will be later used as a cellular source for tissue replacement. Clearly, some essential characteristics of cell cycle and
transcriptional regulationof the early embryo will be conserved in ESC lines. We addressed here the peculiarities of these developmental programs in early embryos and pluripotent
embryoniccell lines, considering examples from
marine invertebratesto mammals. Finally, we discussed the importance of
transcription regulationand
chromatin remodellingand their peculiar features in
embryoniccells from these species.
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