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Expression and potential function of the c-mos proto-oncogene in human eggs
1Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Faulkner Center For Reproductive Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
Fertility and Sterility
|March 1, 1994
Summary
The c-mos proto-oncogene is abundant in human eggs and likely crucial for oocyte meiosis. Inhibiting protein synthesis in eggs affects maturation-promoting factor (MPF), similar to findings in other species.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- The c-mos proto-oncogene is known to play a role in oocyte maturation in various species.
- Understanding its function in human eggs is essential for reproductive biology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and functional role of the c-mos proto-oncogene in human oocytes.
- To determine if c-mos regulates maturation-promoting factor (MPF) activity in human eggs.
Main Methods:
- Human eggs from assisted reproductive technology were analyzed for c-mos messenger RNA using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction.
- Maturation-promoting factor (MPF) activity was measured in eggs with and without protein synthesis inhibition.
- C-raf RNA transcripts were detected as a control.
Main Results:
- c-mos transcripts were detected in human eggs, indicating abundant expression.
- Inhibition of protein synthesis led to a loss of MPF activity, chromatin decondensation, and nuclear reformation.
- C-raf maternal messages were also found in human eggs.
Conclusions:
- The c-mos proto-oncogene is a significant maternal message in human eggs.
- The observed effects of protein synthesis inhibition in human eggs mirror those in mouse and Xenopus eggs.
- The c-mos gene product is likely critical for human oocyte meiosis by regulating MPF activity.