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Function of c-mos proto-oncogene product in meiotic maturation in Xenopus oocytes
N Sagata1, M Oskarsson, T Copeland
1Bionetics Research Inc., National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21701.
Abstract:
The c-mos proto-oncogene is expressed as a maternal mRNA in oocytes and early embryos of Xenopus laevis, but its translation product pp39mos is detectable only during progesterone-induced oocyte maturation. Microinjection of mos-specific antisense oligonucleotides into oocytes not only prevents expression of pp39mos, but also blocks germinal vesicle breakdown, indicating that it functions during reinitiation of meiotic division.
Insights
The c-mos proto-oncogene is crucial for Xenopus oocyte maturation. Blocking its translation product pp39mos prevents germinal vesicle breakdown, indicating its role in meiosis reinitiation.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Cycle Regulation
Background:
- The c-mos proto-oncogene is maternally expressed as mRNA in Xenopus laevis oocytes and early embryos.
- Its translation product, pp39mos, is typically detected only during progesterone-induced oocyte maturation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional role of the c-mos proto-oncogene during Xenopus oocyte maturation.
- To determine if pp39mos is essential for the reinitiation of meiotic division.
Main Methods:
- Microinjection of mos-specific antisense oligonucleotides into Xenopus oocytes.
- Monitoring the expression of pp39mos.
- Observing germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) as an indicator of meiotic reinitiation.
Main Results:
- Microinjection of antisense oligonucleotides successfully prevented the expression of pp39mos.
- The inhibition of pp39mos expression also blocked germinal vesicle breakdown in the oocytes.
Conclusions:
- The c-mos proto-oncogene product, pp39mos, plays a critical role in regulating oocyte maturation.
- pp39mos is essential for the reinitiation of meiotic division in Xenopus oocytes.