Hec1 inhibition alters spindle morphology and chromosome alignment in porcine oocytes

Aneuploidy is caused by incorrect chromosome segregation and can result in cancer or birth defects. The spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) guarantees proper cell cycle progression. Highly Expressed in Cancer protein 1 (Hec1, also called Ndc80) is the core component of the Ndc80 complex and is involved in regulating both kinetochore-microtubule interactions and the SAC during mitosis in multiple cell types. However, its involvement in pig oocyte meiotic maturation remains uncertain. Thus, we investigated Hec1 expression, localization, and possible functions during porcine oocyte meiosis. Immunofluorescent staining showed that Hec1 was expressed in porcine oocytes and was associated with centromeres at both the metaphase I and metaphase II stages. Disrupting Hec1 function with its inhibitor INH1 resulted in polar body extrusion defects in porcine oocytes. Moreover, inhibiting Hec1 activity also resulted in severe chromosome misalignments and aberrant spindle morphology. Our results showed a unique localization pattern for Hec1 in porcine oocytes and suggested that Hec1 was required for chromosome alignment and spindle organization. Thus, Hec1 might regulate spindle checkpoint activity during mammalian oocyte meiosis.