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Defining the Program of Maternal mRNA Translation during In vitro Maturation using a Single Oocyte Reporter Assay
Published on: June 16, 2021
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Genome-wide analysis reveals a switch in the translational program upon oocyte meiotic resumption
Xuan G Luong1,2,3, Enrico Maria Daldello1,2,3, Gabriel Rajkovic1,2,3
1Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
Nucleic Acids Research
|January 24, 2020
Summary
Oocyte maturation relies on maternal mRNA translation, not new gene transcription. A global switch in translation occurs when oocytes re-enter meiosis, with previously active mRNAs repressed and inactive ones activated.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Molecular and cell biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Oocyte maturation involves post-transcriptional regulation of maternal mRNAs.
- This regulation is crucial for meiotic progression, fertilization, and early embryonic development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the temporal dynamics of maternal mRNA translation during oocyte maturation.
- To identify global changes in mRNA translation as oocytes re-enter meiosis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a RiboTag/RNA-Seq approach.
- Analyzed translation in quiescent and meiotically progressing oocytes.
Main Results:
- A genome-wide switch in maternal mRNA translation was observed upon oocyte re-entry into meiosis.
- Maternally expressed mRNAs active in quiescent oocytes were repressed during meiotic re-entry.
- Transcripts repressed in quiescent oocytes were activated during meiotic progression.
- Defined the precise timing of this translational switch and the role of cytoplasmic polyadenylation elements (CPEs).
- Identified Cytoplasmic Polyadenylation Element Binding Protein 1 (CPEB1) as critical for maintaining constitutive translation of specific maternal mRNAs.
Conclusions:
- Oocyte maturation is characterized by a coordinated, global shift in maternal mRNA translation.
- This switch is essential for regulating gene expression during meiosis.
- CPEB1 plays a significant role in controlling maternal mRNA translation during oocyte maturation.
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