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Perturbing microtubule integrity blocks AMP-activated protein kinase-induced meiotic resumption in cultured mouse

Ru Ya1, Stephen M Downs1

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, 530 N 15 St, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI 5323, USA.

Zygote (Cambridge, England)
|December 4, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Microtubule integrity is crucial for meiotic resumption in oocytes, regulating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation and localization essential for meiosis reinitiation.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Reproductive Biology
  • Molecular Endocrinology

Background:

  • The meiotic spindle, composed of microtubules (MT), is vital for oocyte maturation but its role in meiosis reinitiation is unclear.
  • AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a key player in oocyte meiotic induction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the necessity of microtubule integrity for meiotic induction.
  • To determine the effect of microtubule integrity on AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation during oocyte maturation.

Main Methods:

  • Oocytes (cumulus cell-enclosed and denuded) were treated with microtubule-disrupting agents (nocodazole, vinblastine) or a stabilizer (paclitaxel).
  • Meiotic resumption, AMPK activation (western blotting, immunostaining), and AMPK localization were assessed.
  • Actin filament polymerization was also targeted to assess its role.

Main Results:

  • Microtubule disruption or stabilization significantly suppressed meiotic resumption and AMPK activation.
  • AMPK localization to spindle poles and midzone was dependent on microtubule integrity.
  • Actin disruption had minimal impact on meiotic induction.

Conclusions:

  • Microtubule integrity is essential for meiotic induction and proper localization of active AMPK in mouse oocytes.
  • AMPK's meiotic-inducing functions and localization are regulated by the microtubule spindle structure.

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