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Updated: Jul 12, 2025

Defining the Program of Maternal mRNA Translation during In vitro Maturation using a Single Oocyte Reporter Assay
Published on: June 16, 2021
LSM14B is essential for oocyte meiotic maturation by regulating maternal mRNA storage and clearance
Yanling Wan1,2,3,4, Shuang Yang5, Tongtong Li1,2,3,4
1Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
None:
Fully grown oocytes remain transcriptionally quiescent, yet many maternal mRNAs are synthesized and retained in growing oocytes. We now know that maternal mRNAs are stored in a structure called the mitochondria-associated ribonucleoprotein domain (MARDO). However, the components and functions of MARDO remain elusive. Here, we found that LSM14B knockout prevents the proper storage and timely clearance of mRNAs (including Cyclin B1, Btg4 and other mRNAs that are translationally activated during meiotic maturation), specifically by disrupting MARDO assembly during oocyte growth and meiotic maturation. With decreased levels of storage and clearance, the LSM14B knockout oocytes failed to enter meiosis II, ultimately resulting in female infertility. Our results demonstrate the function of LSM14B in MARDO assembly, and couple the MARDO with mRNA clearance and oocyte meiotic maturation.
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