Lycopene enhances epigenetic reprogramming and zygotic genome activation in the porcine somatic cell nuclear transfer embryo.

ABSTRACT: Pigs are valuable models for human disease research due to their physiological similarities to humans, and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is commonly used to generate such models. However, SCNT efficiency is limited by incomplete epigenetic reprogramming and insufficient zygotic genome activation (ZGA). Lycopene, a potent antioxidant carotenoid, was investigated for its potential to improve porcine embryo development during in vitro culture (IVC). Parthenogenetically activated (PA) and SCNT embryos were cultured with various lycopene concentrations, with 0.2 µM showing the most significant benefits. Lycopene treatment significantly improved 4-5-cell cleavage, blastocyst formation, trophectoderm, and total cell numbers, while reducing apoptosis. It also decreased reactive oxygen speci

SUBMITTER: Yun JH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12475035 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature