DAZL protein expression in mouse preimplantation embryo

ObjectiveTo evaluate the expression pattern of Dazl (deleted in azoospermia–like) protein in the mouse preimplantation embryo.DesignExperimental study.SettingMedical research laboratory in a university hospital.Animal(s)Twenty female 28- to 35-day-old FVB mice.Intervention(s)Embryo collection at 1.5, 2.5, and 3.5 days postcoitus (plug date, 0.5 d postcoitus) to examine the Dazl protein expression from the two-cell embryo to the blastocyst.Main Outcome Measure(s)Dazl protein expression was analyzed by immunofluorescent staining.Result(s)There is abundant expression of Dazl protein in the cytoplasm of the blastomere. Strong fluorescent signals of Dazl protein expression were found in preimplantation embryo cytoplasm, including two-cell, eight-cell, morula, and blastocyst.Conclusion(s)By using an antibody raised against mouse Daz-like protein (Dazl), we showed that Dazl protein is present in all cleaving stages of the preimplantation embryo. This is the first report on the protein expression of a Dazl gene during embryogenesis in mice. However, further study is needed to evaluate the molecular functional role of Dazl.