Differential localization of TGF- β2 in mouse preimplantation and early postimplantation development

• Published in: Developmental biology Vol. 145; no. 2; pp. 205 - 218
• Main Authors: Slager, H.G., Lawson, K.A., van den Eijnden-van Raaij, A.J.M., de Laat, S.W., Mummery, C.L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier Inc 1991; Elsevier
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Early stages. Segmentation. Gastrulation. Neurulation; Embryology: invertebrates and vertebrates. Teratology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Embryonic development; Vertebrata; Embryo; Mammalia; Mouse; Transforming growth factor; Rodentia; Blastocyst; Early stage; Immunofluorescence
• ISSN: 0012-1606; 1095-564X
• DOI: 10.1016/0012-1606(91)90120-R

The localization of transforming growth factor type β 2(TGF- β 2) has been followed during preimplantation and early postimplantation murine development using an anti-peptide antibody that specifically recognizes TGF- β 2. The staining pattern showed that TGF- β 2 is expressed from the four-cell stage onward and is differentially regulated as cells diverge to various lineages. High levels of staining were found in the trophectoderm of the blastocyst but no staining was observed in the inner cell mass. During postimplantation development the primitive and embryonic ectoderm also lacked detectable staining while visceral endoderm stained well. Parietal endoderm cells also showed positive staining reaction although to a lesser extent than visceral endoderm cells. These findings were confirmed in model systems of the embryo, namely, embryonal carcinoma and embryonic stem cells differentiated to cells with either visceral or parietal endoderm characteristics. The possible regulatory role of this factor in early embryogenesis is discussed.