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Updated: Oct 1, 2026

Using Mouse Oocytes to Assess Human Gene Function During Meiosis I
Published on: April 10, 2018
[Protein kinases involved in the meiotic maturation and fertilization of oocyte]
1State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology Institute of Zoology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, China.
Abstract:
The meiosis and fertilization of vertebrate oocyte are extensively regulated by various protein kinases. Recently, a great progress has been achieved in the studies on the molecular mechanisms of oocyte maturation, activation and fertilization. MPF and MAPK were found to be the key modulators of the cell cycle in oocyte, whose activation and inactivation result in the entry, arrest and exit of meiosis. Many protein kinases influence the meiosis by stimulating or inhibiting the activity of MPF and MAPK. Polo-like kinase activates MPF, whereas Mos initiates oocyte maturation and sustains MII arrest by activating MAPK. CaMK II down-regulates the MPF level through an ubiquitin-dependent pathway, which leads to the breakthrough of M phase arrest. Furthermore, p90(rsk) is involved in themeiosis regulation as a downstream regulator of MAPK; protein kinase C induces cortical granule exocytosis after fertilization and inhibits MAPK activity during maturation; and tyrosine protein kinase family members modulate the calcium release induced by fertilization. The cooperation of these protein kinases is essential to the development and fertilization of the oocyte.
Insights
Protein kinases meticulously control vertebrate oocyte meiosis and fertilization. Key regulators like maturation-promoting factor (MPF) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) orchestrate cell cycle progression, ensuring successful oocyte development.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology and molecular endocrinology.
- Cell cycle regulation and signal transduction pathways.
Context:
- Oocyte maturation, fertilization, and early development are critical reproductive processes.
- Protein kinases play a central role in regulating these complex cellular events in vertebrates.
Purpose:
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms governing vertebrate oocyte meiosis and fertilization.
- To identify and characterize the roles of key protein kinases in regulating oocyte cell cycle progression.
Summary:
- Maturation-promoting factor (MPF) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) are identified as crucial regulators of oocyte cell cycle entry, arrest, and exit during meiosis.
- Various protein kinases, including Polo-like kinase, Mos, CaMK II, p90(rsk), protein kinase C, and tyrosine kinases, modulate MPF and MAPK activity to control meiotic progression, M-phase arrest, and post-fertilization events.
- The coordinated action of these protein kinases is indispensable for successful oocyte development and fertilization.
Impact:
- Provides a comprehensive overview of kinase-mediated regulation in oocyte biology.
- Highlights the intricate network of signaling pathways essential for reproductive success.
- Offers insights into potential targets for understanding and addressing infertility and developmental disorders.
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