Analyzing embryo dormancy at single-cell resolution reveals dynamic transcriptional responses and activation of integrin-Yap/Taz prosurvival signaling

Abstract

Embryonic diapause is a reproductive adaptation that enables some mammalian species to halt the otherwise continuous pace of embryonic development. In this dormant state, the embryo exploits poorly understood regulatory mechanisms to preserve its developmental potential for prolonged periods of time. Here, using mouse embryos and single-cell RNA sequencing, we molecularly defined embryonic diapause at single-cell resolution, revealing transcriptional dynamics while the embryo seemingly resides in a state of suspended animation. Additionally, we found that the dormant pluripotent cells rely on integrin receptors to sense their microenvironment and preserve their viability via Yap/Taz-mediated prosurvival signaling.

Keywords: Taz; Yap; embryo dormancy; embryonic diapause; embryonic stem cells; epiblast; extracellular matrix; integrin; pluripotency; single-cell RNA sequencing.