Effects of CD26 in Parthenogenetically Activated Porcine Embryos

CD26, also known as Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-4), is a cell surface glycoprotein that belongs to the serine protease family and has wide spread organ distribution throughout the body. CD26 was previously characterized in immune cells but also has important metabolic functions which are not yet fully understood. Thus, we investigated the effect of CD26 in porcine parthenogenetic embryos. We attempted CD26 downregulation of porcine embryos by siRNA, and evaluated CD26 suppression of developmental competencies. Although the porcine embryos injected with CD26 siRNA were able to develop to the early stage, these embryos were decreased to form blastocysts. Our results indicated that CD26 is one of factors for the regulation of development of porcine embryos.