Transcriptome Profiling of Human Pre-Implantation Development

Background: Preimplantation development is a crucial step in early human development. However, the molecular basis of human preimplantation development is not well known. Methodology: By applying microarray on 397 human oocytes and embryos at six developmental stages, we studied the transcription dynamics during human preimplantation development. Principal Findings: We found that the preimplantation development consisted of two main transitions: from metaphase-II oocyte to 4-cell embryo where mainly the maternal genes were expressed, and from 8-cell embryo to blastocyst with down-regulation of the maternal genes and up-regulation of embryonic genes. Human preimplantation development proved relatively autonomous. Genes predominantly expressed in oocytes and embryos are well conserved during evolution. Significance: Our database and findings provide fundamental resources for understanding the genetic network controlling early human development.