GSK3 coordinately regulates mitochondrial activity and nucleotide metabolism in quiescent oocytes

As cells transition between periods of growth and quiescence, their metabolic demands change. During this transition, cells must coordinate changes in mitochondrial function with the induction of biosynthetic processes. Mitochondrial metabolism and nucleotide biosynthesis are key rate-limiting factors in regulating early growth. However, it remains unclear what coordinates these mechanisms in developmental systems. Here, we show that during quiescence, as mitochondrial activity drops, nucleotide breakdown increases. However, at fertilization, mitochondrial oxidative metabolism and nucleotide biosynthesis are coordinately activated to support early embryogenesis. We have found that the serine/threonine kinase GSK3 is a key factor in coordinating mitochondrial metabolism with nucleotide biosynthesis during transitions between quiescence and growth. Silencing GSK3 in quiescent oocytes causes increased levels of mitochondrial activity and a shift in the levels of several redox metabolites. Interestingly, silencing GSK3 in quiescent oocytes also leads to a precocious induction of nucleotide biosynthesis in quiescent oocytes. Taken together, these data indicate that GSK3 functions to suppress mitochondrial oxidative metabolism and prevent the premature onset of nucleotide biosynthesis in quiescent eggs. These data reveal a key mechanism that coordinates mitochondrial function and nucleotide synthesis with fertilization.