Microinjection manipulation decreases the expression of GABA-A receptor signaling pathway genes in mouse embryos derived using intracytoplasmic sperm injection

Abstract

Background: The GABA-A receptor signaling pathway regulates proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and responses to overt DNA damage during embryonic development. Methods: To analyze the gene expression after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and in in vivo mouse embryos, the global pattern of gene expression dataset, GSE23009, was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Genes with differential expression were identified using the R software package, and RT-qPCR was performed to confirm the microarray results. Results: Mouse blastocysts derived from ICSI fertilization had decreased expression of GABA-A receptor signaling pathway genes. However, the mechanisms underlying these changes were not elucidated. The gene expression of the GABA-A pathway was not significantly different between blastocysts obtained from IVF and in vivo fertilization. However, microinjection after IVF significantly reduced the expression of the GABA-A pathway gene to levels similar to those in the ICSI group. Conclusion: Based on our results, decreased gene expression is a result of the microinjection manipulation performed during ICSI.