Knockdown of RBBP7 unveils a requirement of histone deacetylation for CPC function in mouse oocytes

Ahmed Z Balboula1, Paula Stein2, Richard M Schultz2

  • 1Department of Genetics; Rutgers; The State University of New Jersey; Piscataway, NJ USA; Department of Biology; University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, PA USA; Theriogenology Department; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Mansoura University; Mansoura, Egypt.

Insights

RBBP7 regulates histone deacetylation during oocyte maturation, which is crucial for proper chromosome segregation. Depleting RBBP7 causes aneuploidy and defects in chromosomal passenger complex function.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive biology
  • Molecular and cell biology
  • Epigenetics

Background:

  • Histone deacetylation is essential for mouse oocyte maturation and preventing aneuploidy.
  • RBBP7, a component of histone deacetylase complexes, may play a role in this process.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of RBBP7 in histone deacetylation during oocyte maturation.
  • To determine the impact of RBBP7 depletion on chromosome segregation and related processes.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized siRNA/morpholino to deplete RBBP7 in mouse oocytes.
  • Assessed histone acetylation levels, chromosomal passenger complex (CPC) localization and function, and chromosome segregation fidelity.
  • Analyzed oocyte maturation, kinetochore-microtubule attachments, spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) function, and cytokinesis.

Main Results:

  • RBBP7 is translated from dormant maternal mRNA during oocyte maturation to regulate histone deacetylation.
  • Maturation-associated histone deacetylation is required for proper CPC localization and function.
  • RBBP7 depletion leads to chromosome misalignment, impaired kinetochore-microtubule attachments, defective SAC function, cytokinesis issues, and increased aneuploidy.

Conclusions:

  • RBBP7 is a novel regulator of histone deacetylation essential for oocyte maturation.
  • Histone deacetylation, mediated by RBBP7, is critical for accurate chromosome segregation via localized CPC function during meiosis.