Abstract
The tight correlation between mRNA distribution and subsequent protein localization and function indicate a major role for mRNA localization within the cell. RNA localization, followed by local translation, presents a mechanism for spatial and temporal gene expression regulation utilized by various cell types. However, little is known about mRNA localization and translation in the mammalian oocyte and early embryo. Importantly, fully-grown oocyte becomes transcriptionally inactive and only utilizes transcripts previously synthesized and stored during earlier development. We discovered an abundant RNA population in the oocyte and early embryo nucleus together with RNA binding proteins. We also characterized specific ribosomal proteins, which contribute to translation in the oocyte and embryo. By applying selected markers to mouse and human oocytes, we found that there might be a similar mechanism of RNA metabolism in both species. In conclusion, we visualized the localization of RNAs and translation machinery in the oocyte, that could shed light on this terra incognita of these unique cell types in mouse and human.
Highlights
Meiotic maturation of mammalian oocytes and oocyte-to-zygote transition proceed without transcription and depend entirely on the post-transcriptional regulation of maternal mRNAs
The overall translation gradually decreases during oocyte meiotic maturation [1], but the activators of cap-dependent translation become more active during this period, implying a role for translation of specific mRNAs in the regulation of meiosis [2,3]
While these processes were studied in other cell types [5,6,7], little is known about mRNA localization and translation in the mammalian oocyte or early embryo
Summary
Meiotic maturation of mammalian oocytes and oocyte-to-zygote transition proceed without transcription and depend entirely on the post-transcriptional regulation of maternal mRNAs. The overall translation gradually decreases during oocyte meiotic maturation [1], but the activators of cap-dependent translation become more active during this period, implying a role for translation of specific mRNAs in the regulation of meiosis [2,3]. MRNA localization can occur during different stages of development. While these processes were studied in other cell types [5,6,7], little is known about mRNA localization and translation in the mammalian oocyte or early embryo.
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