P-232 EIF4E1B Contributes to Early Translation Burst for Embryogenesis Whose Deficiency Causes Embryo Development Arrest at Four-Cell Stage during Oocyte to Embryo Transition in Women
Authors: Jing G , Ge L 
Published: July 2024

Study question

What are the effects and corresponding mechanisms of the early burst of translation inhibited during the oocyte-to-embryo transition (OET), which is essential for human embryogenesis?

Summary answer

EIF4E1B contributes to the early burst of translation for embryogenesis whose deficiency causes embryo development arrest at four-cell stage during OET in women.

What is known already

The first records of human zygotic genes are observed in late one-cell zygotes, and translation in mammals happens before the activation of zygotic genes. Recently, we identified an oocyte specific role of eIF4E1b in selecting and regulating the translation initiation of individual mRNAs that are involved in cell differentiation, cell cycle regulation, and cell fate determination during OET. The genetic ablation of Eif4e1b in mice resulted in a developmental arrest in the 2-cell phase of embryogenesis. How is the early burst of translation regulated in human embryogenesis remains unknown.

Study design, size, duration

A total of 236 female Chinese participants who underwent assisted reproductive technology (ART) and experienced at least one cycle of OET defects were recruited from our university-affiliated center from January 2017 to May 2023. 60 frozen human 3 pronuclei (3PN) embryos have been used for this work. The use of human embryos donated for research was allowed by the the Ethics Committee of the Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC–Xiangya (reference LL-SC-2018-009).

Participants/materials, setting, methods

All recruited individuals underwent whole-exome sequencing. In vitro transcription and micro-injection were employed to validate the embryo development pattern under different translation inhibition as well as potential effects of the EIF4E1B variant in mouse oocytes. Immunoprecipitation was conducted to investigate the causes of OET failure and identify the ability of eIF4E1B bind with PABPC1L. Additionally, a knock-in (KI) mouse model carrying homozygous Eif4e1bA192T was generated to evaluate female fertility and a more comprehensive mechanism.

Main results and the role of chance

Translation inhibitor cycloheximide (CHX) and knockdown of different translation initiation factors eIF4Es were administered to human 3 pronuclei (3PN) embryos, starting from the 1C stage. The absence of eIF4E1B was identified as a specific phenotype, leading to developmental arrest at the 1-4C stage, which is consistent with the effects of Translation inhibitor CHX. Additionally, a novel homozygous mutation (c.565G&gt;A; p. Ala189Thr) in EIF4E1B was found within a consanguineous family. This mutation was associated with recurrent four-cell arrests, suggesting a translational regulation role for eIF4E1B from the 1C to 4C stage during OET. The mutated eIF4E1B disrupted the expression and condensate distribution of eIF4E1B. We also confirmed the interaction between eIF4E1B and PABPC1L, with the c.565G&gt;A variant in EIF4E1B impairing their binding ability. Furthermore, KI mice carrying homozygous Eif4e1bA192T partially recapitulated the phenotype resulting from EIF4E1B deficiency.

Limitations, reasons for caution

More cases are required to demonstrate the association between EIF4E1B variants and phenotypes.

Wider implications of the findings

By delving deeper into the intricate interactions between basic physiology and clinical characteristics, this research elucidates the crucial role of maternal EIF4E1B in ensuring the early burst of translation for embryogenesis and provide a diagnostic genetic marker for women with OET defects.

Trial registration number

Not applicable