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Iyyappan, R.

Publications and source records attributed to Iyyappan, R..

5 recordsLinked to original sources

Single-nucleotide Resolution Epitranscriptomic Profiling Uncovers Dynamic m6A Regulation in Bovine Preimplantation Development

RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression during early embryonic development. However, the m6A dynamics at single-nucleotide resolution in preimplantation development remain uncharacterized, and the functional significance of site specific m6A modifications in key developmental regulators is largely unknown. Here, using SAC-seq, a single-base resolution, antibody-independent m6A profiling method, we generate the first comprehensive m6A landscape in bovine oocytes and preimplantation embryos. We identify a previously uncharacterized m6A site in RPL12 transcript that is essential for embryonic development. Loss of m6A at this site leads to reduced protein synthesis, disrupted expression of translation-related genes, and impaired zygotic genome activation and blastocyst formation. Notably, supplementation with wild-type RPL12 mRNA fails to rescue the developmental arrest, indicating that m6A regulation extends beyond transcript abundance. Our findings provide a valuable resource of m6A at single-nucleotide resolution in mammalian embryogenesis and uncover a critical mechanism by which precise, site-specific m6A regulates translation and developmental competence in early embryos.

developmental biology↗

A Universal 6iL/E4 Culture System for Deriving and Maintaining Embryonic Stem Cells Across Mammalian Species

The derivation of authentic embryonic stem cells (ESCs) from diverse mammalian species offers valuable opportunities for advancing regenerative medicine, studying developmental biology, and enabling species conservation. Here, we report the development of a robust, serum-free culture system, termed 6iL/E4 that enables the derivation and long-term self-renewal of ESCs from multiple mammalian species, including mouse, rat, bovine, rabbit, and human. Using systematic signaling pathway analysis, we identified key regulators--including GSK3, STAT3, PDGFR, BRAF, and LATS--critical for ESC maintenance across species. Additionally, inducible expression of KLF2 and NANOG enhances the naive pluripotency and chimeric potential of bovine ESCs. The E4 medium also supports stable ESC growth while minimizing lineage bias. These findings reveal conserved principles underlying ESC self-renewal across divergent mammalian species and provide a universal platform for cross-species stem cell research, disease modeling, and biotechnology applications. In BriefWang et al. developed 6iL/E4, a serum-free system sustaining ESCs from mouse, rat, bovine, rabbit, and human. These findings reveal conserved fundamental mechanisms governing ESC self-renewal across diverse mammalian species. HighlightsO_LIDeveloped 6iL/E4 system for ESC derivation across five mammalian species. C_LIO_LIPDGFR signaling inhibition as critical for ESC derivation across species. C_LIO_LIE4 medium improves ESC maintenance and avoids neural bias of traditional N2B27. C_LIO_LIInducible KLF2/NANOG enhances naive pluripotency and chimera formation in bovine. C_LI

cell biology↗

Spatiotemporal dynamics and selectivity of mRNA translation during mouse pre-implantation development

Translational regulation is pivotal during preimplantation development. However, how mRNAs are selected for temporal regulation and their dynamic utilization and fate during this period are still unknown. Using a high-resolution ribosome profiling approach, we analyzed the transcriptome, as well as monosome- and polysome-bound RNAs of mouse oocytes and embryos, defining an unprecedented extent of spatiotemporal translational landscapes during this rapid developmental phase. We observed previously unknown mechanisms of translational selectivity, i.e., stage-wise deferral of loading monosome-bound mRNAs to polysome for active translation, continuous translation of both monosome and polysome-bound mRNAs at the same developmental stage, and priming to monosomes after initial activation. We showed that a eukaryotic initiation factor Eif1ad3, which is exclusively translated in the 2-Cell embryo, is required for ribosome biogenesis post embryonic genome activation. Our study thus provides genome-wide datasets and analyses of spatiotemporal translational dynamics accompanying mammalian germ cell and embryonic development and reveals the contribution of a novel translation initiation factor to mammalian pre-implantation development.

developmental biology↗

High-resolution Ribosome Profiling Reveals Translational Selectivity for Transcripts in Bovine Preimplantation Embryo Development

High resolution ribosome fractionation and low-input ribosome profiling of bovine oocytes and preimplantation embryos has enabled us to define the translational landscapes of early embryo development at an unprecedented level. We analyzed the transcriptome, polysome- and non-polysome-bound RNA profiles of bovine oocytes (GV and MII stage) and early embryos at 2-, 8-cell, morula, and blastocyst stage, and revealed four modes of translational selectivity: i. selective translation of non-abundant mRNAs, ii. active, but modest translation of a selection of highly expressed mRNAs, iii. translationally suppressed abundant to moderately abundant mRNAs, and iv. mRNAs associated specifically with monosomes. A strong translational selection of low abundance mRNAs encoding protein components involved in metabolic pathways and lysosome was found throughout bovine oocyte and preimplantation development. In particular, genes encoding components involved in mitochondrial function were prioritized for translation. Notably, transcripts encoding proteins regulating chromatin modifications selectively translated in oocytes. We found that the translational dynamics largely reflects transcriptional profiles in oocytes and 2-cell embryos, but observed marked shift in translational control in 8-cell embryos associated with the main phase of embryonic genome activation. Subsequently, transcription and translation become better synchronized in morulae and blastocysts. Together, these data reveal a unique spatiotemporal translational regulation that accompanies bovine preimplantation development. Significance StatementTranslational control during preimplantation embryo development is poorly understood, mostly due to the scarcity of samples and the corresponding inability to analyze low quantities of these materials. By developing a low-input method, we have been able to explore the transcriptome, polysome- and non-polysome-bound RNA profiles of bovine oocytes (GV and MII stage) and preimplantation embryos at 2-, 8-cell, morula, and blastocyst stages. We reveal four different modes of translational selectivity, plus novel temporal regulatory mechanisms during early embryo development. The spatiotemporal translation dynamics of bovine oocytes and preimplantation embryos offer an entirely new insight into mammalian embryo development research and new possibilities for improving efficiency of assisted reproduction technologies (ARTs).

developmental biology↗

Tdrd3 regulates the progression of meiosis II through translational control of Emi2 mRNA in mouse oocytes

After completion of meiosis I, the oocyte immediately enters meiosis II and forms a metaphase II (MII) spindle without an interphase, which is fundamental for generating a haploid gamete. Here, we identify tudor domain-containing protein 3 (Tdrd3) as a novel regulator of oocyte meiosis. Although early mitotic inhibitor 2 (Emi2) protein has been shown to ensure the meiosis I to II transition and the subsequent MII spindle formation by inhibiting the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C), how it accumulates after meiosis I has remained unresolved. We isolated Tdrd3 as a protein directly binding to Emi2 mRNA. In GV-stage mouse oocytes, Emi2 mRNA assembled into RNA granules containing Tdrd3, while cyclin B1 mRNA, which was translated in early meiosis I, formed different granules. Knockdown of Tdrd3 attenuated Emi2 synthesis in meiosis II without affecting cyclin B1 synthesis in meiosis I. Moreover, Tdrd3-deficient oocytes entered interphase and failed to form an MII spindle after completion of meiosis I. Taken together, our results indicate the importance of Tdrd3-mediated translational control of Emi2 mRNA, which promotes Emi2 synthesis in meiosis II, for the progression of meiosis.

developmental biology↗