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

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Poly(A)-binding proteins are required for translational regulation in vertebrate oocytes and early embryos

Saffet Ozturk1, Fatma Uysal1

  • 1Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University, School of Medicine, Campus, 07070, Antalya, Turkey.

Reproduction, Fertility, and Development
|January 20, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Poly(A)-binding proteins (PABPs) are crucial for regulating gene expression in early vertebrate development. This review focuses on embryonic poly(A)-binding protein (EPAB) and poly(A)-binding protein, cytoplasmic 1 (PABPC1) in oocytes and embryos.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Poly(A)-binding proteins (PABPs) are essential for regulating gene expression during vertebrate oocyte maturation, fertilization, and early embryonic development.
  • PABPs bind to poly(A) tails of maternal mRNAs, protecting them from degradation and promoting translation.
  • Two main groups of PABPs exist: cytoplasmic (e.g., PABPC1, EPAB) and nuclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To comprehensively review and discuss the expression patterns and functions of EPAB and PABPC1.
  • To focus on the roles of EPAB and PABPC1 in mouse and human oocytes and early embryos.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing research.
  • Comparative analysis of expression patterns and subcellular localization data.

Main Results:

  • PABPC1 and EPAB exhibit distinct spatial and temporal expression patterns in oocytes and early embryos.
  • These PABPs play critical roles in mRNA regulation essential for developmental transitions.

Conclusions:

  • EPAB and PABPC1 are key regulators of maternal mRNA fate during early vertebrate development.
  • Understanding their precise functions is crucial for comprehending developmental processes and potential reproductive issues.

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