Identification of CD146 Expression in Human and Mouse Preimplantation Embryo

ObjectiveTo investigate whether CD146, a cell adhesion molecule, is expressed in mouse and human preimplantation blastocysts and to localize CD146 in the layer of trophectoderm(TE) and/or inner cell mass(ICM).MethodsHuman and mouse embryos were collected. Using reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR), the expression of CD146 mRNA in blastocyst was evaluated in human and mouse embryos. Single embryo immunohistochemical staining was applicated in the examination of the expression of CD146 in protein level. The statistical significance of the data was analyzed using t-test.ResultsCD146 transcript was detected in all human and mouse preimplantation morula and blastocyst. The expression of CD146 was found to localize in human and mouse compacted morula stage embryos and the TE and ICM of the expanded blastocysts.ConclusionmRNA and protein of CD146 was expressed in preimplantation embryos, which may have a profound influence on early preimplantation development for the differentiation of the trophectoderm and the morphogenesis of the blastocyst. Furthermore, the expression of CD146 in blastocyst stage may be implicated in the assistance of embryo implantation.