Pcbp1 is crucial for Naïve-to-Primed pluripotency transition due to regulation of amino acid metabolism [RNA-seq]

Embryo implantation coincides with the Naïve-to-Primed pluripotency transition. From fertilization to implantation only a number of cleavages is observed without significant embryo growth. Embryo-uterine connection provides necessary nutrients for further development while metabolism intensification is occurred. We have found that in vitro Naïve-to-Primed pluripotency transition of ESCs with Pcbp1 knockout is worsened – reduction of proliferation and cell death is observed. By using ChIP-seq, RNA-seq and Mass-spectrometry we show that Pcbp1 is detrimental for pluripotent properties, but is crucial for amino acid metabolism intensification. According to this, functional approaches showed protein synthesis decline, while embryos deficient for Pcbp1 demonstrated growth absence after implantation.