Aims of the
Research Unit:
The DFG Research Unit 478 “Mechanisms of
embryo-maternal communication” has successfully entered the
second funding period (2006-2008). An interdisciplinary team
involving experts in embryology, biology of reproduction,
biotechnology, and functional genome research was
established and further developed to systematically dissect
the embryo-maternal cross-talk in cattle in the
pre-implantation period. This is achieved by bringing
together optimized animal models (e.g. monozygotic twins)
and cell culture systems with state-of-the-art techniques
for transcriptome and proteome analysis, and bioinformatics.
Major
achievements of the first funding period include (see also list of
publications):
-
Holistic transcriptome profiles and candidate gene
characterization of oviduct epithelial cells and endometrium in
various stages of the estrous cycle
-
Optimized cell culture systems for oviduct epithelial cells and
endometrial cells
-
Holistic transcriptome profiles of oviduct epithelial cells after
co-culture with embryos
-
Holistic transcriptome and proteome profiles as well as candidate
gene characterization of pregnant endometrium in the
pre-attachment period in two independent in vivo models (cows
after embryo transfer; heifers after artificial insemination)
-
A
custom made bovine oviduct endometrium (BOE) array with 900
identified transcripts
-
New
insights into the role of the extraembryonic matrix as a „mail
box“ for signals in the embryo-maternal dialog
Based
on these results the goals for the second funding period include an
in-depth analysis of specific aspects of embryo-maternal
communication using sophisticated experimental designs and
analytical tools with markedly improved sensitivity. Specifically,
we will address the following topics:
-
Investigation of position-dependent interactions with the
endometrium by holistic transcriptome (Wolf/Blum/Reichenbach) and
proteome studies (Arnold) using GFP-transgenic embryos
-
Characterization of interferon tau-specific effects on
transcriptome profiles (Wolf/Blum/ Reichenbach) and proteome
profiles (Arnold) in the endometrium.
-
Nuclear transfer embryos as a model for disturbed embryo-maternal
interactions (transcriptome study: Wolf/Blum/Reichenbach, proteome
study: Arnold).
-
Verification and functional validation of candidate genes
identified in a-c is facilitated by the development of co-culture
systems of embryos with oviduct or endometrium cells (Boelhauve/Hiendleder).
-
Mechanisms of embryo-maternal immune modulation will be
characterized by RT-qPCR studies of candidate genes in endometrium
and immune cells of the intrauterine fluid (Ulbrich/Meyer/Einspanier).
-
Holistic transcriptome analyses of various stages of in vivo
derived vs. in vitro produced bovine embryos for monitoring
embryonic development (Niemann/Adjaye).
-
First holistic proteome studies of preimplantation embryos using
highly sensitive labeling techniques (Arnold).
-
Analysis of changes of nuclear architecture and the
temporal/spatial occurrence of apoptosis in in vivo derived vs. in
vitro produced embryos (Sinowatz/Habermann).
-
These experiments will provide a unique set of data for modeling
the processes of embryo-maternal interaction and implantation
using a systems biology approach.
The
interactions between the individual projects are outlined in the
following figure:
Coordinator:
Prof. Dr. Eckhard Wolf
Lehrstuhl für Molekulare Tierzucht und Biotechnologie
Genzentrum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
Feodor-Lynen-Strasse 25
81377 München
Phone: +49-89-2180-76800
Fax: +49-89-2180-76849
ewolf@lmb.uni-muenchen.de