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Spindle-localized CPE-mediated translation controls meiotic chromosome segregation
Carolina Eliscovich1, Isabel Peset, Isabelle Vernos
1Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), C/ Dr. Aiguader, 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.
Nature Cell Biology
|June 10, 2008
Summary
Translational control of maternal mRNAs by cytoplasmic polyadenylation element-binding protein (CPEB) is crucial for meiotic progression. Spindle-localized activation of specific mRNAs ensures proper cell division and chromosome segregation in Xenopus oocytes.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Meiotic progression relies on activating stored maternal mRNAs, like those for cyclin B1 and mos.
- Cytoplasmic polyadenylation element (CPE)-binding protein (CPEB) regulates mRNA translation via CPEs in 3'UTRs.
- CPEB and Maskin control mRNA transport, localization, and translational activation during early development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of spindle-localized translational activation of CPE-regulated mRNAs in meiotic progression.
- To determine the necessity of CPEB-mediated translational regulation for completion of the first meiotic division and chromosome segregation.
Main Methods:
- Studied Xenopus laevis oocytes and early embryonic development.
- Investigated the localization of CPEB at the animal pole, embryonic spindles, and centrosomes.
- Disrupted embryonic CPEB-mediated translational regulation to observe effects on the mitotic apparatus and mitosis.
Main Results:
- CPEB localizes to the animal pole of oocytes and subsequently to embryonic spindles and centrosomes.
- Disruption of CPEB regulation leads to mitotic apparatus abnormalities and inhibited embryonic mitosis.
- Spindle-localized translational activation of CPE-regulated mRNAs is essential for meiotic division and chromosome segregation.
Conclusions:
- Spindle-localized translational activation of specific mRNAs is vital for successful meiotic progression in Xenopus oocytes.
- CPEB-mediated translational control plays a critical role in ensuring proper cell division and chromosome segregation during early development.
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