2025 한국동물생명공학회 학술대회 발표 [Hyo-Jin Park] > 학회발표

Analysis of the Correlation between ATF5 Expression and Mitochondrial Fission during Early Embryonic Development in Pigs

Hyo-Jin Park^1,2,Min-Hyung Lee^1,2, Seul-Gi Yang^1,2, Eun-Seo Kim^1,2, Hun-Wook Ha^1,2, and Deog-Bon Koo^1,2,3

¹ Department of Biotechnology, College of Engineering, ²DU Center for Infertility, ³Department of Companion Animal Industry, College of Natural and Life Sciences, Daegu University, 201 Daegudae-ro Jillyang, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk 38453, Republic of Korea

Activating transcription factor 5 (ATF5) is a key factor of the mitochondrial unfolded protein response and plays a crucial role in maintaining mitochondrial function. Mitochondrial fission is one of the essential functions of mitochondria and plays an important role in cell survival. However, the relationship between ATF5 expression and mitochondrial fission during early porcine embryonic development remains unclear. In this study, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and morphology were analyzed using Mito-SOX and MitoTracker staining, revealing increased oxidative stress and reduced mitochondrial fragmentation during the cleavage stage. Co-localization of ATF5 with mitochondria and nuclei was confirmed in oocytes during early embryonic development. Inhibition of mitochondrial fission using Mdivi-1 significantly impaired blastocyst development and increased DNA fragmentation. Additionally, Mdivi-1 treatment elevated mitochondrial ROS levels and induced a shift in mitochondrial morphology toward elongation in porcine blastocysts. It also enhanced nuclear localization of ATF5 while reducing its mitochondrial co-localization. Protein analysis showed a dose-dependent reduction in p-DRP1Ser616 and an increase in ATF5 levels. In embryos treated with ATF5 siRNA, blastocyst development was impaired and the proportion of TUNEL-positive cells increased, similar to the effects observed with Mdivi-1 treatment. Furthermore, ATF5 knockdown led to elevated mitochondrial ROS and increased mitochondrial fragmentation, along with decreased co-localization of ATF5 with both mitochondria and nuclei. These results suggest that ATF5 regulates mitochondrial fission and function, thereby supporting proper porcine blastocyst development.

Key word) ATF5, Mitochondrial fission, DRP1, Blastocyst development, Pig