Potassium simplex optimized medium
Potassium Simplex Optimized Medium (KSOM) is a specialized medium primarily used for in vitro culture of mouse preimplantation embryos in research.[1][2]
Development
[edit | edit source]The culture of preimplantation embryos is of paramount importance as it serves as a foundation for exploring embryo development, advancing assisted reproductive technology, and facilitating the generation of genetically modified animals.[1] The primary motivation behind the establishment of KSOM was to address the phenomenon known as the two-cell block, wherein mouse embryos encounter developmental arrest at the two-cell stage.[3] Researchers Lawitts and Biggers, in their groundbreaking work in the early 1990s, employed a sequential simplex optimization strategy to solve this issue.[4] This method involves a systematic approach to optimize multiple variables simultaneously, allowing for the fine-tuning of media components. Their efforts culminated in the formulation of the Simplex Optimized Medium (SOM). Further refinements based on the intracellular K+/Na+ ratio in the two-cell stages led to the evolution of KSOM, potassium-supplemented SOM.[4] Because KSOM uses a bicarbonate buffering mechanism, it is dependent on a CO2 incubator to maintain the right pH. The handling of embryos outside a CO2 incubator necessitates the use of HEPES buffered media, such as M2.[2]
Applications and advancements
[edit | edit source]Following the foundational success of KSOM, researchers sought to further enhance the mediums' efficacy. This led to the introduction of amino acid supplementation, resulting in the variant known as KSOM/AA. The availability of amino acids in the medium further aided in the development of mouse embryos and augmented their growth potential.[5] KSOM/AA has ever since become the most widely used medium for the culture of preimplantation mouse embryos in research.[2][1] Ready-to-use KSOM/AA can be obtained from various commercial vendors but it can also be prepared in-house based on published protocols.[2]
See also
[edit | edit source]References
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