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The mechanisms of MTOCs maturation in human and mouse oocytes

Hao Gu1, Ling Wu2, Mingru Yin2

  • 1Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.

Science Bulletin
|September 3, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Microtubule organizing centers (MTOCs) in oocytes mature through activation and migration, a conserved process involving CKAP5 and TACC3. Impaired maturation links to aging and spindle failure.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Reproductive Biology
  • Oocyte Development

Background:

  • Microtubule organizing centers (MTOCs) are crucial for meiotic spindle assembly and chromosome segregation in oocytes.
  • Previous research primarily examined MTOCs in metaphase I, leaving dynamics in germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the dynamic changes and underlying mechanisms of MTOC maturation in human and mouse GV oocytes.
  • To elucidate the roles of specific proteins in MTOC maturation and its implications for oocyte quality.

Main Methods:

  • Exploration of MTOC dynamics in human and mouse GV oocytes.
  • Investigation of the involvement of cytoskeleton-associated protein 5 (CKAP5) and transforming acidic coiled-coil containing protein 3 (TACC3).
  • Analysis of the roles of dynein/dynactin in MTOC migration.

Main Results:

  • MTOC maturation is a conserved process in GV oocytes, involving activation and migration.
  • CKAP5 and TACC3 are key players in oocyte MTOC maturation.
  • MTOC activation precedes migration, which is facilitated by dynein/dynactin.
  • Disruption of MTOC maturation leads to spindle assembly failure.
  • Impaired MTOC maturation is associated with oocyte aging.

Conclusions:

  • MTOC maturation in GV oocytes is a conserved, two-step process essential for reproductive success.
  • CKAP5, TACC3, and dynein/dynactin are critical for MTOC dynamics and oocyte quality.
  • Understanding MTOC maturation provides insights into oocyte aging and potential fertility issues.
Keywords:
Meiotic spindle assemblyOocyte MTOCsOocyte meiosis

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