Molecular regulation of blastocyst formation

AJ Watson, DR Natale, LC Barcroft - Animal reproduction science, 2004 - Elsevier
Preimplantation development encompasses the interval from insemination until embryo
implantation and thus includes the 'freeliving'period of oviduct and uterine development.
Formation of the blastocyst is required for implantation and establishment of pregnancy, and
is a principal determinant of embryo quality prior to embryo transfer. Development through
this period is regulated by the expression of specific gene families that encode for cell
polarity, cell junctional, cytoskeletal, ion transporter, and water channel gene products that …