Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 12, 2026

Chromatin Spread Preparations for the Analysis of Mouse Oocyte Progression from Prophase to Metaphase II
10:39

Chromatin Spread Preparations for the Analysis of Mouse Oocyte Progression from Prophase to Metaphase II

Published on: February 26, 2018

[Regulation of oocyte meiotic resumption in mammals]

O A Shepel', T V Blashkiv, T Iu Voznesens'ka

    Fiziolohichnyi Zhurnal (Kiev, Ukraine : 1994)
    |March 28, 2013
    PubMed

    Insights

    Oocyte meiotic resumption is regulated by cyclic nucleotides, protein kinases, growth factors, and hormones. Understanding these complex molecular mechanisms is crucial for mammalian reproductive health.

    Area of Science:

    • Reproductive Biology
    • Molecular Endocrinology
    • Cell Signaling

    Context:

    • Oocyte meiotic resumption is a critical step preceding ovulation in mammals.
    • The precise molecular triggers initiating this process within the pre-ovulatory follicle are under active investigation.
    • Key regulatory factors include meiosis inhibitors and maturation signals.

    Purpose:

    • To review and synthesize current literature on the molecular mechanisms governing mammalian oocyte meiotic resumption.
    • To elucidate the roles of specific signaling molecules and pathways in this process.

    Summary:

    • Cyclic monophosphates (cAMP, cGMP), protein kinases (MAPK), epidermal growth factors (EGF), ovarian steroids, and transcription factors (NF-kappaB, CREB) are key regulators.
    • Gonadotropins (FSH, LH) influence cAMP production, activating MAPK. cGMP prevents premature resumption, while EGF, steroids, and NO pathways are also involved.
    • FSH and LH signaling, through various pathways including NO production, ultimately orchestrate meiotic resumption.

    Impact:

    • Provides a comprehensive overview of the complex regulatory network controlling oocyte maturation.
    • Highlights the interplay between hormonal, signaling, and transcriptional factors.
    • Identifies areas for future research into mammalian oocyte meiotic regulation.

    More Related Videos

    Detection of DNA Double-Stranded Breaks in Mouse Oocytes07:46

    Detection of DNA Double-Stranded Breaks in Mouse Oocytes

    Published on: June 23, 2023

    Defining the Program of Maternal mRNA Translation during In vitro Maturation using a Single Oocyte Reporter Assay08:00

    Defining the Program of Maternal mRNA Translation during In vitro Maturation using a Single Oocyte Reporter Assay

    Published on: June 16, 2021

    Related Concept Videos

    Oogenesis01:22

    Oogenesis

    Oogenesis,  the process of developing egg cells (female gametes), occurs within the ovaries and is fundamental to female fertility. This sequence begins during fetal development when diploid oogonia in the developing ovaries undergo mitotic divisions to produce primary oocytes. By birth, these primary oocytes enter prophase I of meiosis but become arrested in this stage, remaining suspended until puberty.
    Each primary oocyte is surrounded by a layer of pre-granulosa cells, forming what is known...
    Oogenesis02:07

    Oogenesis

    In human women, oogenesis produces one mature egg cell or ovum for every precursor cell that enters meiosis. This process differs in two unique ways from the equivalent procedure of spermatogenesis in males. First, meiotic divisions during oogenesis are asymmetric, meaning that a large oocyte (containing most of the cytoplasm) and minor polar body are produced as a result of meiosis I, and again following meiosis II. Since only oocytes will go on to form embryos if fertilized, this unequal...
    Meiosis II01:57

    Meiosis II

    Meiosis II is the second and final stage of meiosis. It relies on the haploid cells produced during meiosis I, each of which contain only 23 chromosomes—one from each homologous initial pair. Importantly, each chromosome in these cells is composed of two joined copies, and when these cells enter meiosis II, the goal is to separate such sister chromatids using the same microtubule-based network employed in other division processes. The result of meiosis II is two haploid cells, each containing...
    Meiosis II02:02

    Meiosis II

    Meiosis II entails cell division and segregation of the sister chromatids, resulting in the production of four unique haploid gametes. The steps for meiosis II are similar to mitosis, except that meiosis II occurs in haploid cells, whereas mitosis occurs in diploid cells.
    The timing and cell division patterns of meiosis differ between males and females. In male meiosis, the centrosomes are part of the formation of the meiotic spindle. However, in oocytes, including that of humans, Drosophila,...
    Meiosis vs. Mitosis02:57

    Meiosis vs. Mitosis

    Cell division is necessary for growth and reproduction in organisms. Mitosis aids cell growth and development by dividing somatic cells. In contrast, meiosis causes the division of germ cells and plays an essential role in sexual reproduction. Due to their unique functional requirements, mitosis and meiosis differ from each other in multiple aspects.
    Before the start of mitosis and meiosis I, the cell synthesizes DNA, resulting in two homologous copies of each chromosome. DNA synthesis is...
    Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle01:30

    Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle

    The ovarian cycle is meticulously regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This cycle orchestrates the release of a mature oocyte, essential for reproduction.
    Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle.  At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...