Cell Fate Decisions During Preimplantation Mammalian Development

Curr Top Dev Biol. 2018:128:37-58. doi: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2017.11.001. Epub 2017 Nov 27.

Abstract

The early mouse embryo offers a phenomenal system to dissect how changes in the mechanisms controlling cell fate are integrated with morphogenetic events at the single-cell level. New technologies based on live imaging have enabled the discovery of dynamic changes in the regulation of single genes, transcription factors, and epigenetic mechanisms directing early cell fate decision in the early embryo. Here, we review recent progress in linking molecular dynamic events occurring at the level of the single cell in vivo, to some of the key morphogenetic changes regulating early mouse development.

Keywords: Cell fate; Chromatin; Imaging; Mouse embryo; Preimplantation; Transcription.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blastocyst / cytology*
  • Blastocyst / metabolism
  • Cell Lineage*
  • Embryonic Development*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
  • Humans
  • Mammals / embryology*
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism

Substances

  • Transcription Factors