Differential mRNA translation and meiotic progression require Cdc2-mediated CPEB destruction

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Xenopus laevis as a Model to Identify Translation Impairment
10:24

Xenopus laevis as a Model to Identify Translation Impairment

Published on: September 27, 2015

Raul Mendez1, Daron Barnard, Joel D Richter

  • 1Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.

The EMBO Journal
|April 3, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Temporal mRNA translation in Xenopus oocytes is controlled by the regulated destruction of cytoplasmic polyadenylation element-binding protein (CPEB). This CPEB destruction is crucial for meiotic progression and early embryonic mitosis.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Translational activation of dormant mRNAs in vertebrate oocytes relies on cytoplasmic polyadenylation.
  • This process is regulated by the cytoplasmic polyadenylation element (CPE) and its binding protein, CPEB.
  • mRNA translation is temporally regulated, not occurring simultaneously.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of CPEB destruction in the temporal regulation of mRNA translation during Xenopus oocyte maturation.
  • To determine the mechanism and necessity of CPEB destruction for meiotic progression and early embryonic development.

Main Methods:

  • Studied the temporal translation of specific mRNAs (Mos, cyclin B1) in Xenopus oocytes.
  • Investigated the role of partial CPEB destruction in controlling mRNA polyadenylation timing.
  • Examined the involvement of a PEST box and Cdc2-catalyzed phosphorylation in CPEB destruction.

Main Results:

  • Partial destruction of CPEB precisely controls the temporal translation of CPE-containing mRNAs.
  • Mos mRNA polyadenylation occurs at prophase I, while cyclin B1 mRNA requires CPEB destruction at metaphase I.
  • CPEB destruction, mediated by a PEST box and Cdc2 phosphorylation, is essential for progression to metaphase II and early embryonic mitosis.

Conclusions:

  • A regulated change in the CPEB:CPE ratio, driven by CPEB destruction, is necessary for metaphase I mRNA activation.
  • CPEB destruction is a critical checkpoint for meiotic progression into metaphase II and subsequent embryonic development.

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