A diverse English keyword search reveals the value of scriptaid treatment for porcine embryo development following somatic cell nuclear transfer

Abstract

Context Incomplete epigenetic reprogramming of histone deacetylation (HDAC) is one of the main reasons for the low efficiency of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). Scriptaid is a synthetic HDAC inhibitor (HDACi) that may improve the efficiency of porcine SCNT. Aims This study aimed to determine whether scriptaid increases the number of blastocyst cells or the cleavage rate. Methods We conducted a meta-analysis of the pertinent literature published over the past decade. Key results A total of 73 relevant papers were retrieved using a diverse English keyword search, and 11 articles were used for the meta-analysis. Scriptaid was positively correlated with blastocyst rate but had no effect on cleavage rate or blastocyst cell number. A subgroup analysis of blastocyst cell number showed that the staining method was the source of the heterogeneity. Conclusions In SCNT embryos, scriptaid treatment after activation can promote embryonic development, but there may be adverse effects on early development. Implications HDACi research should focus on SCNT birth efficiency.