ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the expression of gene associated with retinoid-interferon-induced mortality-19(GRIM-19) in preimplantation embryo of mice and explore its role in embryonic development.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The protein and mRNA expressions of GRIM-19 in 2-cell, 4-cell, 8-cell, morula, and blastocyst phases of mice preimplantation embryo were detected by Western blot analysis and Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>GRIM-19 was continuously expressed in every stage of preimplantation embryo of mice. Western blot analysis and Real-time PCR demonstrated a gradual increase of GRIM-19 expression from 2-cell, which reached a peak in 8-cell phase and then decreased progressively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The expression of GRIM-19 in mouse preimplantation embryos changes as at different developmental phases. GRIM-19 may play an important role during embryonic development.</p>