Which gene expressions start to happen in an embryo

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The discussion focuses on the visualization of RNA expression dynamics in zebrafish embryos, specifically highlighting the onset of zygotic transcription as described in the paper by Hadzhiev et al. (2018). The supplemental movie illustrates the staining of DNA with red fluorescence and the targeting of dre-miR-430 with carboxyfluorescein-labeled Morpholino oligos, which emit green fluorescence upon transcription. Key observations include the appearance of green dots indicating miR430 gene transcription and the halting of gene expression during mitosis. This research provides significant insights into the early stages of embryonic development and gene regulation.

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Watching dynamics of RNA expression - paper describing a visualization technique.

Movie 1 from supplemental information: in a zebrafish embryo, DNA is stained with red fluorescence and carboxyfluoresceinaed Morpholino oligos targeting dre-miR-430 emit visible green fluorescence when they reach sufficient localized concentration. In red you can watch condensation of chromosomes, mitosis, and loosening of the chromatin. After a few divisions you will see green dots appear where groups of miR430 genes are being transcribed and capturing fluorescent-labeled Morpholinos. Each nucleus contains two dots, the maternal and paternal chromosomes revealing the site of miR430 transcription. The green dots disappear as the red chromosomes condense out of the chromatin for mitosis and gene expression halts for division. This movie shows the early-to-mid blastula stages and the onset of zygotic transcription occurs at mid-blastula, so you don't see the green dots appear during the first few cell divisions; early on the cells are expressing maternal mRNAs that are already present in the egg. The onset of zygotic transcription is where the embryo begins to rely on its own genome.

Movie 1: https://www.biorxiv.org/highwire/filestream/112058/field_highwire_adjunct_files/3/366468-4.mp4

The paper: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/early/2018/07/15/366468

Hadzhiev Y, Qureshi H, Wheatley L, Cooper L, Jasiulewicz A, Nguyen HV, Wragg J, Poovathumkadavil D, Conic S, Bajan S, Sik A, Hutvagner G, Tora L, Gambus A, Fossey JS, Mueller F. A cell cycle-coordinated nuclear compartment for Polymerase II transcription encompasses the earliest gene expression before global genome activation. BioRXive. 2018;[Epub] doi:doi.org/10.1101/366468.
 
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I found this paper really interesting! It provides a great insight into how RNA expression is dynamically regulated during early embryonic development. The video included in the supplemental information is also really cool and helps to visualize the process nicely. It's amazing to see how the green dots appear when the maternal and paternal chromosomes begin expressing miR430 genes. It's a great example of the complex processes involved in gene expression.
 

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