Fig. 2

Transcription of Notch components and pluripotency and differentiation gene markers in mouse early embryonic development. Quantitative real-time (qRT-PCR) was used to detect and quantify the presence of transcripts in 3.5 dpc compact morulae (n = 9), blastocysts (n = 9) and expanded blastocysts (n = 7), and in 4.5 dpc hatched blastocysts (n = 5). Analyzed genes (most prevalent): Notch receptors – Notch1 and Notch2; Notch ligands – Jagged1 and Jagged2; Notch effectors – Hes1; Pluripotency and differentiation marker genes - Sox2, Oct4, Klf4 and Cdx2. Bars represent mean transcription levels ± s.e.m. ANOVA p values are indicated for each gene analysis. Bars with different letters differ significantly (post-hoc LSD). a: For data analysis, Ct values were normalized to housekeeping gene 1 (Rps29) and the ∆Ct values obtained further calibrated with housekeeping gene 2 (Hprt1), generating ∆∆Ct values. These values were log transformed and results presented as the Log₂ of power of ∆∆Ct values. b: Log₂ of power of ∆Ct values of transcription levels of housekeeping genes Rps29 and Hprt1 at each developmental stage; CM = Compact Morulae; BL = Blastocyst; EBL = Expanded Blastocyst; HBL = Hatched Blastocyst. c: For data analysis, Ct values of each target gene were normalized with the mean Ct values of housekeeping genes Rps29 and Hprt1, and the obtained ∆Ct values were then calibrated to ∆Ct values of compact morulae (shown as 0.0), originating the ∆∆Ct values for log transformation. Results are also presented as the Log₂ of power of ∆∆Ct values