Differential lipid and metabolic profiles of embryonic inner cell mass and trophectoderm

Abstract

The initial development of mammalian embryos represents a highly intricate and meticulously orchestrated process. This journey encompasses distinct cellular fate determinations and complex regulatory mechanisms. In the scope of our study, we conducted a comprehensive examination of the lipid and metabolic profiles characterizing these distinct cell populations within bovine embryos. In vitro-produced embryos, were submitted to microsurgery and/or immunosurgery techniques to recover trophectoderm (TE) and inner cell mass (ICM) cells. After different cell type obtaining ICM and TE samples underwent lipid and metabolic profiling utilizing multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) profiling mass spectrometry. We unveiled clear and distinct patterns of metabolites expression, including lipids, with TE cells demonstrating a heightened abundance of a variety classes of lipids, whereas ICM cells exhibited specific abundance increase of amino acids. The substantial presence of amino acids in ICM cells aligns with their pivotal role in orchestrating the development of diverse tissues and organs within the emerging organism. Conversely, TE cells are primarily dedicated to preparations for placentation, maternal recognition, and providing essential support to the ICM throughout the developmental process. In summary, our study furnishes valuable insights into the intricate metabolic dynamics that underlie early embryonic development in bovine embryos. It underscores the unique lipidomic and metabolic signatures of ICM and TE cells, reflecting their respective roles in shaping the developmental trajectory. These findings significantly contribute to our deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing embryonic development, offering potential implications for bovine reproduction and broader insights into mammalian embryology.