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Updated: Apr 19, 2026
Defining the Program of Maternal mRNA Translation during In vitro Maturation using a Single Oocyte Reporter Assay
Published on: June 16, 2021
Downregulation of gene expression and activity of GRIM-19 affects mouse oocyte viability, maturation, embryo
Lan Chao1, Xiao Wang, Yang Yang
1Infertility Center, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
Purpose:
To investigate the expression of GRIM-19 (Gene associated with retinoid-interferon-induced mortality 19) in mouse oocytes and preimplantation embryos, and to study the effect of GRIM-19 on the developmental competence of mouse oocytes and embryos.
Methods:
GRIM-19 was evaluated at both mRNA and protein levels. The expression of GRIM-19 gene was downregulated in mouse oocytes cultured in vitro by specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) injection, while the activity of GRIM-19 was decreased by microinjection of a GRIM-19 antibody into the cytoplasm of germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes. Oocytes matured in vitro were then fertilized by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), followed by observation and evaluation of fertilization rate, cleavage rate, blastocyst formation rate and implantation rate.
Results:
GRIM-19 is expressed throughout oocyte maturation and preimplantation embryo development stages. GRIM-19 was localized primarily in the cytoplasm of all cells examined. Downregulation of gene expression and activity of GRIM-19 resulted in decreased oocyte viability, potency of oocyte maturation, embryo development and implantation.
Conclusions:
GRIM-19 may play important roles in mouse oogenesis and early embryonic development and implantation.
Insights
Gene associated with retinoid-interferon-induced mortality 19 (GRIM-19) is crucial for mouse oocyte and embryo development. Reduced GRIM-19 expression and activity impair oocyte maturation, embryo development, and implantation success.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Genetics
Background:
- Gene associated with retinoid-interferon-induced mortality 19 (GRIM-19) is a key regulator in cellular processes.
- Understanding GRIM-19's role in reproduction is essential for fertility research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine GRIM-19 expression in mouse oocytes and early embryos.
- To determine the impact of GRIM-19 on oocyte and embryo developmental competence.
Main Methods:
- GRIM-19 mRNA and protein levels were assessed.
- GRIM-19 gene expression was reduced using siRNA in vitro.
- GRIM-19 activity was inhibited using an antibody in oocytes.
- Fertilization, cleavage, blastocyst formation, and implantation rates were evaluated post-ICSI.
Main Results:
- GRIM-19 expression was detected throughout oocyte maturation and preimplantation development.
- GRIM-19 was primarily localized in the cytoplasm.
- Decreased GRIM-19 expression or activity led to reduced oocyte viability, maturation potential, embryo development, and implantation rates.
Conclusions:
- GRIM-19 plays a significant role in mouse oogenesis and early embryonic development.
- GRIM-19 is important for successful implantation in mice.
