Control of Maternal-to-Zygotic Transition in Human Embryos and Other Animal Species (Especially Mouse): Similarities and Differences

Abstract

Maternal-to-zygotic transition (MZT) of the control of early post-fertilization development is a key-event conditioning the fate of the future embryo, fetus and newborn. Because of the relative paucity of data concerning human embryos, due to ethical concerns and the poor availability of human embryos donated for research, most data have to be derived from animal models, among which those obtained using mouse embryos are most prevalent. However, data obtained by studies performed in non-mammalian specie can also provide useful information. For this reason, this review focuses on similarities and differences of MZT control mechanisms in humans and other species, with particular attention to the mouse. A number of molecular pathways controlling MZT in mice and humans are compared, pointing out those that could be at the origin of further focused experimental studies and the development of new diagnostic tools based on the translational medicine principles. Data concerning possible candidate molecules to be included in these studies are identified.

Keywords

• maternal-to-zygotic transition
• zygotic gene activation
• maternal mRNA decay
• M-decay
• Z-decay
• DNA transcription