Base editing in bovine embryos reveals a species-specific role of SOX2 in regulation of pluripotency.

ABSTRACT: The emergence of the first three lineages during development is orchestrated by a network of transcription factors, which are best characterized in mice. However, the role and regulation of these factors are not completely conserved in other mammals, including human and cattle. Here, we establish a gene inactivation system with a robust efficiency by introducing premature codon with cytosine base editors in bovine early embryos. By using this approach, we have determined the functional consequences of three critical lineage-specific genes (SOX2, OCT4 and CDX2) in bovine embryos. In particular, SOX2 knockout results in a failure of the establishment of pluripotency in blastocysts. Indeed, OCT4 level is significantly reduced and NANOG barely detectable. Furthermore, the formation of primitiv

SUBMITTER: Luo L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9286228 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature