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DRP1 deficiency induces mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis during porcine oocyte
Haolin Zhang1, Zhennan Pan1, Jiaqian Ju1
1College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095 China.
Background:
Environmental pollution induces oxidative stress and apoptosis in mammalian oocytes, which can cause defects in reproduction; however, the molecular regulation of oxidative stress in oocytes is still largely unknown. In the present study, we identified that dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1) is an important molecule regulating oocyte mitochondrial function and preventing oxidative stress/apoptosis. DRP1 is a member of the dynamin GTPase superfamily localized at the mitochondrial-endoplasmic reticulum interaction site, where it regulates the fission of mitochondria and other related cellular processes.
Results:
Our results show that DRP1 was stably expressed during different stages of porcine oocyte meiosis, and might have a potential relationship with mitochondria as it exhibited similar localization. Loss of DRP1 activity caused failed porcine oocyte maturation and cumulus cell expansion, as well as defects in polar body extrusion. Further analysis indicated that a DRP1 deficiency caused mitochondrial dysfunction and induced oxidative stress, which was confirmed by increased reactive oxygen species levels. Moreover, the incidence of early apoptosis increased as detected by positive Annexin-V signaling.
Conclusions:
Taken together, our results indicate that DRP1 is essential for porcine oocyte maturation and that a DRP1 deficiency could induce mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and apoptosis.
Insights
Dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1) is crucial for pig oocyte maturation. Loss of DRP1 function impairs mitochondrial function, increasing oxidative stress and apoptosis, vital for reproductive health.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Cellular Biology
- Mitochondrial Dynamics
Background:
- Environmental pollution causes oxidative stress and apoptosis in oocytes, impacting reproduction.
- Molecular mechanisms regulating oocyte oxidative stress are not fully understood.
- Dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1) is identified as a key regulator of oocyte mitochondrial function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of DRP1 in regulating porcine oocyte mitochondrial function.
- To determine the impact of DRP1 deficiency on oocyte maturation and oxidative stress.
- To elucidate the molecular regulation of oxidative stress and apoptosis in oocytes.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of DRP1 expression during porcine oocyte meiosis.
- Assessment of oocyte maturation, cumulus cell expansion, and polar body extrusion following DRP1 inhibition.
- Measurement of mitochondrial function, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and apoptosis (Annexin-V signaling).
Main Results:
- DRP1 is stably expressed during porcine oocyte meiosis and localizes with mitochondria.
- Loss of DRP1 activity resulted in failed oocyte maturation, cumulus expansion, and polar body extrusion.
- DRP1 deficiency led to mitochondrial dysfunction, increased ROS levels, and elevated apoptosis.
Conclusions:
- DRP1 is essential for successful porcine oocyte maturation.
- DRP1 deficiency induces mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in oocytes.
- DRP1 plays a critical role in maintaining oocyte health and preventing reproductive defects.
