Expressional Analysis of Stem Cell Marker SALL4 in Mesencephalon during Chicken Embryogenesis

Our aim in this study was to analyze and quantify mRNA expression of SALL4 in mesencephalon, during different stages of chicken embryogenesis. In this experimental study, incubated Ross fertilized eggs were applied in 37°C-37.5°C in 60-65% humidified atmosphere after beginning of embryogenesis. Mesencephalon part of the brain tissue was collected from the eggs, daily. Total RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis was performed from resected tissues. The synthesized cDNA was used as template for quantitatively analysis of SALL4 mRNA expression by real-time PCR. The Real-time PCR analysis of SALL4 mRNA expression in mesencephalon tissues indicated that the level of gene expression is significantly variable during embryogenesis. While the basal level of SALL4 mRNA expression was detected during the rest of embryogenesis, the maximum copy number of SALL4 mRNA was quantified on 19th day of chicken development. Having analyzed the level of SALL4 mRNA expression in different stages of chicken embryogenesis, we can extrapolate that a probable relationship may be existed between expression of SALL4 in nerve centers of mesencephalon brain and development of optic organs.