The activation of MAP kinase and p34cdc2/cyclin B during the meiotic maturation of Xenopus oocytes.

Abstract

G2-arrested Xenopus oocytes are induced to enter M-phase of meiosis by progesterone stimulation. This process, known as meiotic maturation, requires the activation of p34cdc2/cyclin B complexes (pre-MPF) which is brought about by the prior translation of specific maternal mRNAs stored in the oocyte. One of these mRNAs encodes for the protein kinase Mos which has an essential role in oocyte maturation, most likely due to its ability to activate MAP kinase (MAPK). Here we review our current knowledge on the Mos/MAPK signalling pathway and a recently found connection between MAPK-activated p90rsk and the p34cdc2 inhibitory kinase Myt1. We also discuss a pathway that involves the protein kinase Plx1 and leads to the activation of the phosphatase Cdc25, as well as other regulators of p34cdc2/cyclin B activity which may have a role in oocyte maturation.