Nucleolus-like bodies of fully-grown mouse oocytes contain key nucleolar proteins but are impoverished for rRNA

Essential roles of the nucleolus during early embryonic development: a regulatory hub for chromatin organization

The nucleolus is the most prominent liquid droplet-like membrane-less organelle in mammalian cells. Unlike the nucleolus in terminally differentiated somatic cells, those in totipotent cells, such as murine zygotes or two-cell embryos, have a unique nucleolar structure known as nucleolus precursor bodies (NPBs). Previously, it was widely accepted that NPBs in zygotes are simply passive repositories of materials that will be gradually used to construct a fully functional nucleolus after zygotic genome activation (ZGA). However, recent research studies have challenged this simplistic view and demonstrated that functions of the NPBs go beyond ribosome biogenesis. In this review, we provide a snapshot of the functions of NPBs in zygotes and early two-cell embryos in mice. We propose that these membrane-less organelles function as a regulatory hub for chromatin organization. On the one hand, NPBs provide the structural platform for centric and pericentric chromatin remodelling. On the other hand, the dynamic changes in nucleolar structure control the release of the pioneer factors (i.e. double homeobox (Dux)). It appears that during transition from totipotency to pluripotency, decline of totipotency and initiation of fully functional nucleolus formation are not independent events but are interconnected. Consequently, it is reasonable to hypothesize that dissecting more unknown functions of NPBs may shed more light on the enigmas of early embryonic development and may ultimately provide novel approaches to improve reprogramming efficiency.

Chromatin Morphology in Human Germinal Vesicle Oocytes and Their Competence to Mature in Stimulated Cycles

The search for simple morphological predictors of oocyte quality is an important task for assisted reproduction technologies (ARTs). One such predictor may be the morphology of the oocyte nucleus, called the germinal vesicle (GV), including the level of chromatin aggregation around the atypical nucleolus (ANu)-a peculiar nuclear organelle, formerly referred to as the nucleolus-like body. A prospective cohort study allowed distinguishing three classes of GV oocytes among 135 oocytes retrieved from 64 patients: with a non-surrounded ANu and rare chromatin blocks in the nucleoplasm (Class A), with a complete peri-ANu heterochromatic rim assembling all chromatin (Class C), and intermediate variants (Class B). Comparison of the chromatin state and the ability of oocytes to complete meiosis allowed us to conclude that Class B and C oocytes are more capable of resuming meiosis in vitro and completing the first meiotic division, while Class A oocytes can resume maturation but often stop their development either at metaphase I (MI arrest) or before the onset of GV breakdown (GVBD arrest). In addition, oocytes with a low chromatin condensation demonstrated a high level of aneuploidy during the resumption of meiosis. Considering that the degree of chromatin condensation/compaction can be determined in vivo under a light microscope, this characteristic of the GV can be considered a promising criterion for selecting the best-quality GV oocytes in IVM rescue programs.

Chromatin Configuration in Diplotene Mouse and Human Oocytes during the Period of Transcriptional Activity Extinction

In the oocyte nucleus, called the germinal vesicle (GV) at the prolonged diplotene stage of the meiotic prophase, chromatin undergoes a global rearrangement, which is often accompanied by the cessation of its transcriptional activity. In many mammals, including mice and humans, chromatin condenses around a special nuclear organelle called the atypical nucleolus or formerly nucleolus-like body. Chromatin configuration is an important indicator of the quality of GV oocytes and largely predicts their ability to resume meiosis and successful embryonic development. In mice, GV oocytes are traditionally divided into the NSN (non-surrounded nucleolus) and SN (surrounded nucleolus) based on the specific chromatin configuration. The NSN-SN transition is a key event in mouse oogenesis and the main prerequisite for the normal development of the embryo. As for humans, there is no single nomenclature for the chromatin configuration at the GV stage. This often leads to discrepancies and misunderstandings, the overcoming of which should expand the scope of the application of mouse oocytes as a model for developing new methods for assessing and improving the quality of human oocytes. As a first approximation and with a certain proviso, the mouse NSN/SN classification can be used for the primary characterization of human GV oocytes. The task of this review is to analyze and discuss the existing classifications of chromatin configuration in mouse and human GV oocytes with an emphasis on transcriptional activity extinction at the end of oocyte growth.

Ppan is essential for preimplantation development in mice†

PETER PAN (PPAN), located to nucleoli and mitochondria, is a member of the Brix domain protein family, involved in rRNA processing through its rRNA binding motif and mitochondrial apoptosis by protecting mitochondria structure and suppressing basal autophagic flux. Ppan is important for cell proliferation and viability, and mutation of Ppan in Drosophila caused larval lethality and oogenesis failure. Yet, its role in mammalian reproduction remains unclear. In this study, we explored the function of Ppan in oocyte maturation and early embryogenesis using conditional knockout mouse model. Deficiency of maternal Ppan significantly downregulated the expression level of 5.8S rRNA, 18S rRNA, and 28S rRNA, though it had no effect on oocyte maturation or preimplantation embryo development. However, depletion of both maternal and zygotic Ppan blocked embryonic development at morula stage. Similar phenotype was obtained when only zygotic Ppan was depleted. We further identified no DNA binding activity of PPAN in mouse embryonic stem cells, and depletion of Ppan had minimum impact on transcriptome but decreased expression of 5.8S rRNA, 18S rRNA, and 28S rRNA nevertheless. Our findings demonstrate that Ppan is indispensable for early embryogenesis in mice.

Comment on Piña et al. Ten Approaches That Improve Immunostaining: A Review of the Latest Advances for the Optimization of Immunofluorescence. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23, 1426

With great interest, I have read the article "Ten Approaches That Improve Immunostaining: A Review of the Latest Advances for the Optimization of Immunofluorescence" written by Piña et al. [...].

Transcription of rRNA in early mouse embryos promotes chromatin reorganization and expression of major satellite repeats

During the first cell cycles of the early development, the chromatin of the embryo is highly reprogrammed alongside that embryonic genome starts its own transcription. The spatial organization of the genome is a major process that contributes to regulating gene transcription in time and space, however, it is poorly studied in the context of early embryos. To study the cause and effect link between transcription and spatial organization in embryos, we focused on the ribosomal genes, that are first silent and begin to transcribe during the 2-cell stage in the mouse. We demonstrated that ribosomal sequences and early unprocessed rRNAs are spatially organized in a very peculiar manner from the 2-cell to the 16-cell. Using drugs interfering with ribosomal DNA transcription, we show that this organization, totally different from somatic cells, depends on an active transcription of ribosomal genes and induces a unique chromatin environment that favors transcription of major satellite sequences after the 4-cell stage.

J. Nucleus reprogramming/remodeling through selective enucleation (SE) of immature oocytes and zygotes: a nucleolus point of view

It is now approximately 25 years since the sheep Dolly, the first cloned mammal where the somatic cell nucleus from an adult donor was used for transfer, was born. So far, somatic cell nucleus transfer, where G1-phase nuclei are transferred into cytoplasts obtained by enucleation of mature metaphase II (MII) oocytes followed by the activation of the reconstructed cells, is the most efficient approach to reprogram/remodel the differentiated nucleus. In general, in an enucleated oocyte (cytoplast), the nuclear envelope (NE, membrane) of an injected somatic cell nucleus breaks down and chromosomes condense. This condensation phase is followed, after subsequent activation, by chromatin decondensation and formation of a pseudo-pronucleus (i) whose morphology should resemble the natural postfertilization pronuclei (PNs). Thus, the volume of the transferred nuclei increases considerably by incorporating the content released from the germinal vesicles (GVs). In parallel, the transferred nucleus genes must be reset and function similarly as the relevant genes in normal embryo reprogramming. This, among others, covers the relevant epigenetic modifications and the appropriate organization of chromatin in pseudo-pronuclei. While reprogramming in SCNT is often discussed, the remodeling of transferred nuclei is much less studied, particularly in the context of the developmental potential of SCNT embryos. It is now evident that correct reprogramming mirrors appropriate remodeling. At the same time, it is widely accepted that the process of rebuilding the nucleus following SCNT is instrumental to the overall success of this procedure. Thus, in our contribution, we will mostly focus on the remodeling of transferred nuclei. In particular, we discuss the oocyte organelles that are essential for the development of SCNT embryos.

The nucleolus-like and precursor bodies of mammalian oocytes and embryos and their possible role in post-fertilization centromere remodelling

In nearly all somatic cells, the ribosome biosynthesis is a key activity. The same is true also for mammalian oocytes and early embryos. This activity is intimately linked to the most prominent nuclear organelles - the nucleoli. Interestingly, during a short period around fertilization, the nucleoli in oocytes and embryos transform into ribosome-biosynthesis-inactive structures termed nucleolus-like or nucleolus precursor bodies (NPBs). For decades, researchers considered these structures to be passive repositories of nucleolar proteins used by the developing embryo to rebuild fully functional, ribosome-synthesis competent nucleoli when required. Recent evidence, however, indicates that while these structures are unquestionably essential for development, the material is largely dispensable for the formation of active embryonic nucleoli. In this mini-review, we will describe some unique features of oocytes and embryos with respect to ribosome biogenesis and the changes in the structure of oocyte and embryonic nucleoli that reflect this. We will also describe some of the different approaches that can be used to study nucleoli and NPBs in embryos and discuss the different results that might be expected. Finally, we ask whether the main function of nucleolar precursor bodies might lie in the genome organization and remodelling and what the involved components might be.

EXOSC10 sculpts the transcriptome during the growth-to-maturation transition in mouse oocytes

Growing mammalian oocytes accumulate substantial amounts of RNA, most of which is degraded during subsequent meiotic maturation. The growth-to-maturation transition begins with germinal vesicle or nuclear envelope breakdown (GVBD) and is critical for oocyte quality and early development. The molecular machinery responsible for the oocyte transcriptome transition remains unclear. Here, we report that an exosome-associated RNase, EXOSC10, sculpts the transcriptome to facilitate the growth-to-maturation transition of mouse oocytes. We establish an oocyte-specific conditional knockout of Exosc10 in mice using CRISPR/Cas9 which results in female subfertility due to delayed GVBD. By performing multiple single oocyte RNA-seq, we document dysregulation of several types of RNA, and the mRNAs that encode proteins important for endomembrane trafficking and meiotic cell cycle. As expected, EXOSC10-depleted oocytes have impaired endomembrane components including endosomes, lysosomes, endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi. In addition, CDK1 fails to activate, possibly due to persistent WEE1 activity, which blocks lamina phosphorylation and disassembly. Moreover, we identified rRNA processing defects that cause higher percentage of developmentally incompetent oocytes after EXOSC10 depletion. Collectively, we propose that EXOSC10 promotes normal growth-to-maturation transition in mouse oocytes by sculpting the transcriptome to degrade RNAs encoding growth-phase factors and, thus, support the maturation phase of oogenesis.

The 5.8S pre-rRNA maturation factor, M-phase phosphoprotein 6, is a female fertility factor required for oocyte quality and meiosis

Objectives

M‐phase phosphoprotein 6 (MPP6) is important for 5.8S pre‐rRNA maturation in somatic cells and was screened as a female fertility factor. However, whether MPP6 functions in oocyte meiosis and fertility is not yet known. We aimed to address this.

Materials and Methods

Mouse oocytes with surrounded nucleus (SN) or non‐surrounded nucleus (NSN) were used for all experiments. Peptide nanoparticle‐mediated antibody transfection was used to deplete MPP6. Immunofluorescence staining, immunohistochemistry and live tracker staining were used to examine MPP6 localization and characterize phenotypes after control or MPP6 depletion. High‐fidelity PCR and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were used to examine the localization and level of 5.8S rRNAs. Western blot was used to examine the protein level. MPP6‐EGFP mRNA microinjection was used to do the rescue.

Results

MPP6 was enriched within ovaries and oocytes. MPP6 depletion significantly impeded oocyte meiosis. MPP6 depletion increased 5.8S pre‐rRNA. The mRNA levels of MPP6 and 5.8S rRNA decreased within ageing oocytes, and MPP6 mRNA injection partially increased 5.8S rRNA maturation and improved oocyte quality.

Conclusions

MPP6 is required for 5.8S rRNA maturation, meiosis and quality control in mouse oocytes, and MPP6 level might be a marker for oocyte quality.

Comparative Analysis of Number and Competence in Meiotic Maturation of Preovulatory Oocytes of C57Bl/6J Mice and Their F1 Hybrids after Stimulation with Gonadotropin

The study examined maturation of preovulatory germinal vesicles oocytes (GV oocytes) induced by gonadotropic hormone PMSG in the inbred C57Bl/6J mice (viewed as a gold standard for diverse biomedical studies) as well as in the first generation hybrid C57Bl/6J×СВА/lac and СВА/lac×C57Bl/6J mice at various ages. The most effective donors of GV oocytes were СВА/lac×C57Bl/6J mice (F1 hybrids) yielding 25±2 oocyte/mouse. In contrast, a significantly smaller number of GV oocytes can be isolated from the ovaries of female C57Bl/6J or C57Bl/6J×СВА/lac mice under the same conditions. At this, the greatest number of GV oocytes (42±4) can be retrieved from the ovaries of immature hybrid СВА/lac×C57Bl/6J mice aged 4 weeks. These mice demonstrated the largest share of GV oocytes, which attained MII stage during in vitro culturing. The data conclude that F1 hybrid СВА/lac×C57Bl/6J mice can be viewed as a handy experimental source yielding a large number of GV oocytes capable of meiotic maturation in a culture.

Nucleolus and rRNA Gene Chromatin in Early Embryo Development

The nucleolus is the largest substructure in the nucleus and forms around the nucleolar organizer regions (NORs), which comprise hundreds of rRNA genes. Recent evidence highlights further functions of the nucleolus that go beyond ribosome biogenesis. Data indicate that the nucleolus acts as a compartment for the location and regulation of repressive genomic domains and, together with the nuclear lamina, represents the hub for the organization of the inactive heterochromatin. In this review, we discuss recent findings that have revealed how nucleolar structure and rRNA gene chromatin states are regulated during early mammalian development and their contribution to the higher-order spatial organization of the genome.

Proteomic analysis of germinal vesicles in the domestic cat model reveals candidate nuclear proteins involved in oocyte competence acquisition

STUDY QUESTION

Do nuclear proteins in the germinal vesicle (GV) contribute to oocyte competence acquisition during folliculogenesis?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Proteomic analysis of GVs identified candidate proteins for oocyte competence acquisition, including a key RNA processing protein-heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2/B1 (hnRNPA2B1).

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

The domestic cat GV, which is physiologically similar to the human GV, gains the intrinsic ability to resume meiosis and support early embryo development during the pre-antral-to-antral follicle transition. However, little is known about nuclear proteins that contribute to this developmental process.

STUDY DESIGN SIZE, DURATION

GVs were enriched from pre-antral (incompetent) and antral (competent) follicles from 802 cat ovaries. Protein lysates were subjected to quantitative proteomic analysis to identify differentially expressed proteins in GVs from the two follicular categories.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Two biological replicates (from independent pools of ovaries) of pre-antral versus antral samples were labeled by tandem mass tags and then assessed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Proteomic data were analyzed according to gene ontology and a protein-protein interaction network. Immunofluorescent staining and protein inhibition assays were used for validation.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

A total of 174 nuclear proteins was identified, with 54 being up-regulated and 22 down-regulated (≥1.5-fold) after antrum formation. Functional protein analysis through gene ontology over-representation tests revealed that changes in molecular network within the GVs during this transitional phase were related to chromatin reorganization, gene transcription, and maternal RNA processing and storage. Protein inhibition assays verified that hnRNPA2B1, a key nuclear protein identified, was required for oocyte meiotic maturation and subsequent blastocyst formation.

LARGE SCALE DATA

Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD007211.

LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION

Proteins identified by proteomic comparison may (i) be involved in processes other than competence acquisition during the pre-antral-to-antral transition or (ii) be co-expressed in other macrostructures besides the GV. Expressional and functional validations should be performed for candidate proteins before downstream application.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Collective results generated a blueprint to better understand the molecular mechanisms involved in GV competence acquisition and identified potential nuclear competence markers for human fertility preservation.

STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTEREST(S)

Funded by the National Center for Research Resources (R01 RR026064), a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and currently by the Office of Research Infrastructure Programs/Office of the Director (R01 OD010948). The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

Nucleoli in embryos: a central structural platform for embryonic chromatin remodeling?

Nucleoli are the site of ribosomal RNA production and subunit assembly. In contrast to active nucleoli in somatic cells, where three basic sub-compartments can be observed, mammalian oocytes and early embryos contain atypical nucleoli termed "nucleolus-like bodies" or "nucleolus precursor bodies", respectively. Unlike their somatic counterparts, these structures are composed of dense homogenous fibrillar material and exhibit no polymerase activity. Irrespective of these unusual properties, they have been shown to be absolutely essential for embryonic development, as their microsurgical removal results in developmental arrest. Historically, nucleolus-like and nucleolus precursor bodies have been perceived as passive storage sites of nucleolar material, which is gradually utilized by embryos to construct fully functional nucleoli once they have activated their genome and have started to produce ribosomes. For decades, researchers have been trying to elucidate the composition of these organelles and provide the evidence for their repository role. However, only recently has it become clear that the function of these atypical nucleoli is altogether different, and rather than being involved in ribosome biogenesis, they participate in parental chromatin remodeling, and strikingly, the artificial introduction of a single NPB component is sufficient to rescue the developmental arrest elicited by the NPB removal. In this review, we will describe and summarize the experiments that led to the change in our understanding of these unique structures.

The Oocyte’s Nucleolus Precursor Body: The Globe for Life

The nucleolus is the cell organelle responsible for ribosome synthesis and, hence, for protein synthesis. In the mammalian oocyte, the nucleolus compacts into a dense sphere with no ribosome synthesis well in advance of ovulation. It seems, that this body is of utmost importance for the development of the embryo. It is unknown, however, how it exerts this essential function. During the last two decades, great attention has been paid to the study of nucleogenesis in oocytes and early embryos, with transcription of ribosomal DNA being evaluated as one of the criteria of normal development. In this review, we summarize some aspects of nucleolus transformation during oocyte growth, as well as during early embryonic development with possible impact on the quality of the embryos used in biomedical research. This knowledge in connection with further observations will substantially contribute to the development of new criteria suitable for evaluation of oocytes and embryos used in biomedical application.

Maternally inherited rRNA triggers de novo nucleolus formation in porcine embryos

SummaryThe present study examines the role of RNA polymerase I (RPI)-mediated transcription, maternally inherited rRNA and nucleolar proteins in the resumption of fibrillogranular nucleoli during embryonic genome activation (EGA) in porcine embryos. Late 4-cell embryos were incubated in the absence (control) or presence of actinomycin D (AD) (0.2 μg/ml for inhibition of RPI; 2.0 μg/ml for inhibition of total transcription) and late 2-cell embryos were cultured to the late 4-cell stage with 0.2 μg/ml AD to block EGA. Embryos were then processed for reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and for autoradiography (ARG), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), silver staining and immunofluorescence (for RPI). Embryos in the control group displayed extranucleolar and intranucleolar ARG labelling, and exhibited de novo synthesis of rRNA and reticulated functional nucleoli. Nucleolar proteins were located in large foci. After RPI inhibition, nucleolar precursors transformed into segregated fibrillogranular structures, however no fibrillar centres were observed. The localization of rDNA and clusters of rRNA were detected in 57.1% immunoprecipitated (IP) analyzed nucleoli and dispersed RPI; 30.5% of nuclei showed large deposits of nucleolar proteins. Embryos from the AD-2.0 group did not display any transcriptional activity. Nucleolar formation was completely blocked, however 39.4% of nuclei showed rRNA clusters; 85.7% of nuclei were co-localized with nucleolar proteins. Long-term transcriptional inhibition resulted in the lack of ARG and RPI labelling; 40% of analyzed nuclei displayed the accumulation of rRNA molecules into large foci. In conclusion, maternally inherited rRNA co-localized with rDNA and nucleolar proteins can initiate a partial nucleolar assembly, resulting in the formation of fibrilogranular structures independently on activation of RPI-mediated transcription.

Karyosphere (Karyosome): A Peculiar Structure of the Oocyte Nucleus

The karyosphere, aka the karyosome, is a meiosis-specific structure that represents a "knot" of condensed chromosomes joined together in a limited volume of the oocyte nucleus. The karyosphere is an evolutionarily conserved but morphologically rather "multifaceted" structure. It forms at the diplotene stage of meiotic prophase in many animals, from hydra and Drosophila to human. Karyosphere formation is generally linked with transcriptional silencing of the genome. It is believed that karyosphere/karyosome is a prerequisite for proper completion of meiotic divisions and further development. Here, a brief review on the karyosphere features in some invertebrates and vertebrates is provided. Special emphasis is made on terminology, since current discrepancies in this field may lead to confusions. In particular, it is proposed to distinguish the karyosphere with a capsule and the karyosome (a karyosphere devoid of a capsule). The "inverted" karyospheres are also considered, in which the chromosomes situate externally to an extrachromosomal structure (e.g., in human oocytes).

Mouse oocytes nucleoli rescue embryonic development of porcine enucleolated oocytes

It is well known that nucleoli of fully grown mammalian oocytes are indispensable for embryonic development. Therefore, the embryos originated from previously enucleolated (ENL) oocytes undergo only one or two cleavages and then their development ceases. In our study the interspecies (mouse/pig) nucleolus transferred embryos (NuTE) were produced and their embryonic development was analyzed by autoradiography, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and immunofluorescence (C23 and upstream binding factor (UBF)). Our results show that the re-injection of isolated oocyte nucleoli, either from the pig (P + P) or mouse (P + M), into previously enucleolated and subsequently matured porcine oocytes rescues their development after parthenogenetic activation and some of these develop up to the blastocyst stage (P + P, 11.8%; P + M, 13.5%). In nucleolus re-injected 8-cell and blastocyst stage embryos the number of nucleoli labeled with C23 in P + P and P + M groups was lower than in control (non-manipulated) group. UBF was localized in small foci within the nucleoli of blastocysts in control and P + P embryos, however, in P + M embryos the labeling was evenly distributed in the nucleoplasm. The TEM and autoradiographic evaluations showed the formation of functional nucleoli and de novo rRNA synthesis at the 8-cell stage in both, control and P + P group. In the P + M group the formation of comparable nucleoli was delayed. In conclusion, our results indicate that the mouse nucleolus can rescue embryonic development of enucleolated porcine oocytes, but the localization of selected nucleolar proteins, the timing of transcription activation and the formation of the functional nucleoli in NuTE compared with control group show evident aberrations.

Reconstitution of the oocyte nucleolus in mice through a single nucleolar protein, NPM2

The mammalian oocyte nucleolus, the most prominent subcellular organelle in the oocyte, is vital in early development, yet its key functions and constituents remain unclear. We show here that the parthenotes/zygotes derived from enucleolated oocytes exhibited abnormal heterochromatin formation around parental pericentromeric DNAs, which led to a significant mitotic delay and frequent chromosome mis-segregation upon the first mitotic division. A proteomic analysis identified nucleoplasmin 2 (NPM2) as a dominant component of the oocyte nucleolus. Consistently, Npm2-deficient oocytes, which lack a normal nucleolar structure, showed chromosome segregation defects similar to those in enucleolated oocytes, suggesting that nucleolar loss, rather than micromanipulation-related damage to the genome, leads to a disorganization of higher-order chromatin structure in pronuclei and frequent chromosome mis-segregation during the first mitosis. Strikingly, expression of NPM2 alone sufficed to reconstitute the nucleolar structure in enucleolated embryos, and rescued their first mitotic division and full-term development. The nucleolus rescue through NPM2 required the pentamer formation and both the N- and C-terminal domains. Our findings demonstrate that the NPM2-based oocyte nucleolus is an essential platform for parental chromatin organization in early embryonic development.

Localisation of RNAs and proteins in nucleolar precursor bodies of early mouse embryos

Early embryos of all mammalian species contain morphologically distinct but transcriptionally silent nucleoli called the nucleolar precursor bodies (NPBs), which, unlike normal nucleoli, have been poorly studied at the biochemical level. To bridge this gap, here we examined the occurrence of RNA and proteins in early mouse embryos with two fluorochromes - an RNA-binding dye pyronin Y (PY) and the protein-binding dye fluorescein-5'-isothiocyanate (FITC). The staining patterns of zygotic NPBs were then compared with those of nucleolus-like bodies (NLBs) in fully grown surrounded nucleolus (SN)-type oocytes, which are morphologically similar to NPBs. We show that both entities contain proteins, but unlike NLBs, NPBs are significantly impoverished for RNA. Detectable amounts of RNA appear on the NPB surface only after resumption of rDNA transcription and includes pre-rRNAs and 28S rRNA as evidenced by fluorescence in situ hybridisation with specific oligonucleotide probes. Immunocytochemical assays demonstrate that zygotic NPBs contain rRNA processing factors fibrillarin, nucleophosmin and nucleolin, while UBF (the RNA polymerase I transcription factor) and ribosomal proteins RPL26 and RPS10 are not detectable. Based on the results obtained and data in the contemporary literature, we suggest a scheme of NPB assembly and maturation to normal nucleoli that assumes utilisation of maternally derived nucleolar proteins but of nascent rRNAs.

Translational Regulation in the Mammalian Oocyte

Fully grown oocytes arrest meiosis at prophase I and deposit maternal RNAs. A subset of maternal transcripts is stored in a dormant state in the oocyte, and the timely driven translation of specific mRNAs guides meiotic progression, the oocyte-embryo transition, and early embryo development. In the absence of transcription, the regulation of gene expression in oocytes is controlled almost exclusively at the level of transcriptome and proteome stabilization and at the level of protein synthesis.This chapter focuses on the recent findings on RNA distribution related to the temporal and spatial translational control of the meiotic cycle progression in mammalian oocytes. We discuss the most relevant mechanisms involved in the organization of the oocyte's maternal transcriptome storage and localization, and the regulation of translation, in correlation with the regulation of oocyte meiotic progression.

Nucleolus-like body of mouse oocytes contains lamin A and B and TRF2 but not actin and topo II

BACKGROUND

During the final stages of oocyte development, all chromosomes join in a limited nuclear volume for the final formation of a single complex chromatin structure - the karyosphere. In the majority of mammalian species, the chromosomes surround a round protein/fibrillar body known as the central body, or nucleolus-like body (NLB). Nothing seems to unite the inner portion of the karyosphere with the nucleolus except position at its remnants. Nevertheless, in this study we will use term NLB as the conventional one for karyosphere with the central body. At the morphological level, NLBs consist of tightly-packed fibres of 6-10 nm. The biochemical structure of this dense, compact NLB fibre centre remains uncertain.

RESULTS

The aim of this study was to determine which proteins represent the NLB components at final stages of karyosphere formation in mouse oogenesis. To determine this, three antibodies (ABs) have been examined against different actin epitopes. Examination of both ABs against the actin N-end provided similar results: spots inside the nucleus. Double staining with AB against SC35 and actin revealed the colocalization of these proteins in IGCs (interchromatin granule clusters/nuclear speckles/SC35 domains). In contrast, examination of polyclonal AB against peptide at the C-end reveals a different result: actin is localized exclusively in connection with the chromatin. Surprisingly, no forms of actin or topoisomerase II are present as components of the NLB. It was discovered that: (1) lamin B is an NLB component from the beginning of NLB formation, and a major portion of it resides in the NLB at the end of oocyte development; (2) lamin A undergoes rapid movement into the NLB, and a majority of it remains in the NLB; (3) the telomere-binding protein TRF2 resides in the IGCs/nuclear speckles until the end of oocyte development, when significant part of it transfers to the NLB.

CONCLUSIONS

NLBs do not contain actin or topo II. Lamin B is involved from the beginning of NLB formation. Both Lamin A and TRF2 exhibit rapid movement to the NLB at the end of oogenesis. This dynamic distribution of proteins may reflect the NLB's role in future chromatin organization post-fertilisation.

Ribosomal RNA gene functioning in avian oogenesis

Despite long-term exploration into ribosomal RNA gene functioning during the oogenesis of various organisms, many intriguing problems remain unsolved. In this review, we describe nucleolus organizer region (NOR) activity in avian oocytes. Whereas oocytes from an adult avian ovary never reveal the formation of the nucleolus in the germinal vesicle (GV), an ovary from juvenile birds possesses both nucleolus-containing and non-nucleolus-containing oocytes. The evolutionary diversity of oocyte NOR functioning and the potential non-rRNA-related functions of the nucleolus in oocytes are also discussed.

Impact of tightly focused femtosecond laser pulses on nucleolus-like bodies of mouse GV oocyte and the ability of mouse oocytes to mature

Using femtosecond laser radiation, nucleolus-like bodies (NLBs) of mouse oocytes were locally dissected without damage to zona pellucida, cytoplasmic membrane, nuclear membrane, and nucleoplasm surrounding NLB. It was found that, after dissection of 2.7 × 10(-11) cm(3) of NLB material, which is approximately 5.2% of 10 μm NLB volume, the probability of germinal vesicle oocyte development to metaphase II stage of meiosis decreased 3-7 times compared to the non-treated oocytes. This result indicates that NLB material organization is significant for mouse oocyte maturation.

P-TEFb Kinase Activity Is Essential for Global Transcription, Resumption of Meiosis and Embryonic Genome Activation in Pig

Positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb) is a RNA polymerase II carboxyl-terminal domain (Pol II CTD) kinase that phosphorylates Ser2 of the CTD and promotes the elongation phase of transcription. Despite the fact that P-TEFb has role in many cellular processes, the role of this kinase complex remains to be understood in mammalian early developmental events. In this study, using immunocytochemical analyses, we found that the P-TEFb components, CDK9, Cyclin T1 and Cyclin T2 were localized to nuclear speckles, as well as in nucleolar-like bodies in pig germinal vesicle oocytes. Using nascent RNA labeling and small molecule inhibitors, we showed that inhibition of CDK9 activity abolished the transcription of GV oocytes globally. Moreover, using fluorescence in situ hybridization, in absence of CDK9 kinase activity the production of ribosomal RNAs was impaired. We also presented the evidences indicating that P-TEFb kinase activity is essential for resumption of oocyte meiosis and embryo development. Treatment with CDK9 inhibitors resulted in germinal vesicle arrest in maturing oocytes in vitro. Inhibition of CDK9 kinase activity did not interfere with in vitro fertilization and pronuclear formation. However, when in vitro produced zygotes were treated with CDK9 inhibitors, their development beyond the 4-cell stage was impaired. In these embryos, inhibition of CDK9 abrogated global transcriptional activity and rRNA production. Collectively, our data suggested that P-TEFb kinase activity is crucial for oocyte maturation, embryo development and regulation of RNA transcription in pig.

Nucleolus Precursor Bodies and Ribosome Biogenesis in Early Mammalian Embryos: Old Theories and New Discoveries

In mammals, mature oocytes and early preimplantation embryos contain transcriptionally inactive structures termed nucleolus precursor bodies instead of the typical fibrillo-granular nucleoli. These nuclear organelles are essential and strictly of maternal origin. If they are removed from oocytes, the resulting embryos are unable to replace them and consequently fail to develop. Historically, nucleolus precursor bodies have been perceived as a passive repository site of nucleolar proteins that are required for embryos to form fully functional nucleoli. Recent results, however, contradict this long-standing dogma and show that these organelles are dispensable for nucleologenesis and ribosome biogenesis. In this article, we discuss the possible roles of nucleolus precursor bodies and propose how they might be involved in embryogenesis. Furthermore, we argue that these organelles are essential only shortly after fertilization and suggest that they might actively participate in centromeric chromatin establishment.

Correlating microscopy techniques and ToF-SIMS analysis of fully grown mammalian oocytes

An innovative protocol for the 2D-molecular thin film analysis applying ToF-SIMS, SEM, AFM and optical microscopy imaging of fully grown mice oocytes is described.

Translation in the mammalian oocyte in space and time

A hallmark of oocyte development in mammals is the dependence on the translation and utilization of stored RNA and proteins rather than the de novo transcription of genes in order to sustain meiotic progression and early embryo development. In the absence of transcription, the completion of meiosis and early embryo development in mammals relies significantly on maternally synthesized RNAs. Post-transcriptional control of gene expression at the translational level has emerged as an important cellular function in normal development. Therefore, the regulation of gene expression in oocytes is controlled almost exclusively at the level of mRNA and protein stabilization and protein synthesis. This current review is focused on the recently emerged findings on RNA distribution related to the temporal and spatial translational control of the meiotic progression of the mammalian oocyte.

High-resolution microscopy of active ribosomal genes and key members of the rRNA processing machinery inside nucleolus-like bodies of fully-grown mouse oocytes

Nucleolus-like bodies (NLBs) of fully-grown (germinal vesicle, GV) mammalian oocytes are traditionally considered as morphologically distinct entities, which, unlike normal nucleoli, contain transcribed ribosomal genes (rDNA) solely at their surface. In the current study, we for the first time showed that active ribosomal genes are present not only on the surface but also inside NLBs of the NSN-type oocytes. The "internal" rRNA synthesis was evidenced by cytoplasmic microinjections of BrUTP as precursor and by fluorescence in situ hybridization with a probe to the short-lived 5'ETS segment of the 47S pre-rRNA. We further showed that in the NLB mass of NSN-oocytes, distribution of active rDNA, RNA polymerase I (UBF) and rRNA processing (fibrillarin) protein factors, U3 snoRNA, pre-rRNAs and 18S/28S rRNAs is remarkably similar to that in somatic nucleoli capable to make pre-ribosomes. Overall, these observations support the occurrence of rDNA transcription, rRNA processing and pre-ribosome assembly in the NSN-type NLBs and so that their functional similarity to normal nucleoli. Unlike the NSN-type NLBs, the NLBs of more mature SN-oocytes do not contain transcribed rRNA genes, U3 snoRNA, pre-rRNAs, 18S and 28S rRNAs. These results favor the idea that in a process of transformation of NSN-oocytes to SN-oocytes, NLBs cease to produce pre-ribosomes and, moreover, lose their rRNAs. We also concluded that a denaturing fixative 70% ethanol used in the study to fix oocytes could be more appropriate for light microscopy analysis of nucleolar RNAs and proteins in mammalian fully-grown oocytes than a commonly used cross-linking aldehyde fixative, formalin.