Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 16, 2025

Defining the Program of Maternal mRNA Translation during In vitro Maturation using a Single Oocyte Reporter Assay
08:00

Defining the Program of Maternal mRNA Translation during In vitro Maturation using a Single Oocyte Reporter Assay

Published on: June 16, 2021

4.3K

m6A RNA methylation dynamics during in vitro maturation of cumulus-oocyte complexes derived from adult or prepubertal

Chiara Cosseddu1, Sara Succu2, Adele Frau1

  • 1Department of Veterinary Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics, University of Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Italy.

Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics
|March 18, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study reveals N6-methyladenosine (m6A) dynamics in sheep oocytes, showing alterations in prepubertal donors and after in vitro maturation. These findings highlight m6A

Area of Science:

  • Epigenetics
  • RNA biology
  • Mammalian reproduction

Background:

  • N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a crucial mRNA modification regulating gene expression.
  • m6A plays a role in oocyte development and maternal-to-zygotic transition in mice.
  • The m6A landscape in other mammalian species, particularly sheep, is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate m6A dynamics in sheep cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) during in vitro maturation (IVM).
  • To explore the relationship between m6A modification and oocyte developmental competence using adult and prepubertal sheep models.

Main Methods:

  • Analyzed m6A RNA methylation abundance in cumulus cells using a colorimetric assay.
  • Quantified the expression of key m6A methylation-related proteins (e.g., METTL3, FTO) in oocytes and cumulus cells via real-time PCR.

Main Results:

  • Described m6A dynamics in sheep COCs for the first time.
  • Observed significant alterations in m6A levels and related protein expression in oocytes and cumulus cells from prepubertal donors.
  • Identified dysregulations in m6A following IVM.

Conclusions:

  • This study provides the first description of m6A dynamics in sheep COCs.
  • Uncovered the involvement of m6A RNA methylation in regulating oocyte developmental potential in sheep.
Keywords:
Cumulus cellsDevelopmental competenceEpitranscriptomicsOocytePost-transcriptional regulationm6A methylation-related proteins

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