Actin filaments: key players in the control of asymmetric divisions in mouse oocytes

CXCR3 participates in asymmetric division of mouse oocytes by modulating actin dynamics

Extensive research has been conducted on the role of CXCR3 in immune responses and inflammation. However, the role of CXCR3 in the reproductive system, particularly in oocyte development, remains unknown. In this study, we present findings on the involvement of CXCR3 in the meiotic division process of mouse oocytes. We found CXCR3 was expressed consistently throughout the entire maturation process of mouse oocyte. Inhibition of CXCR3 impaired the asymmetric division of oocyte, while the injection of Cxcr3 mRNA was capable of restoring these defects. Further study showed that inhibition of CXCR3 perturbed spindle migration by affecting LIMK/cofilin pathway-mediated actin remodeling. Knockout of CXCR3 led to an upregulation of actin-binding protein and an increased ATP level in GV-stage oocytes, while maintaining normal actin dynamics during the process of meiosis. Additionally, we noticed the expression level of DYNLT1 is markedly elevated in CXCR3-null oocytes. DYNLT1 bound with the Arp2/3 complex, and knockdown of DYNLT1 in CXCR3-null oocytes impaired the organization of cytoplasmic actin, suggesting the regulatory role of DYNLT1 in actin organization, and the compensatory expression of DYNLT1 may contribute to maintain normal actin dynamics in CXCR3-knockout oocytes. In summary, our findings provide insights into the intricate network of actin dynamics associated with CXCR3 during oocyte meiosis.

Inhibitory Effects of 3-Methylcholanthrene Exposure on Porcine Oocyte Maturation

3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC) is a highly toxic environmental pollutant that impairs animal health. 3-MC exposure can cause abnormal spermatogenesis and ovarian dysfunction. However, the effects of 3-MC exposure on oocyte maturation and embryo development remain unclear. This study revealed the toxic effects of 3-MC exposure on oocyte maturation and embryo development. 3-MC with different concentrations of 0, 25, 50, and 100 μM was applied for in vitro maturation of porcine oocytes. The results showed that 100 μM 3-MC significantly inhibited cumulus expansion and the first polar body extrusion. The rates of cleavage and blastocyst of embryos derived from 3-MC-exposed oocytes were significantly lower than those in the control group. Additionally, the rates of spindle abnormalities and chromosomal misalignments were higher than those in the control group. Furthermore, 3-MC exposure not only decreased the levels of mitochondria, cortical granules (CGs), and acetylated α-Tubulin, but also increased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), DNA damage, and apoptosis. The expression of cumulus expansion and apoptosis-related genes was abnormal in 3-MC-exposed oocytes. In conclusion, 3-MC exposure disrupted the nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation of porcine oocytes through oxidative stress.

High efficiency of homemade culture medium supplemented with GDF9-β in human oocytes for rescue in vitro maturation

Objective

Optimizing culture media for the incubation of immature oocytes is a vital strategy to increase the oocyte maturation rate during in vitro maturation (IVM) programs. This study evaluated the IVM and fertilization rates of human germinal vesicle (GV) and metaphase I (MI) oocytes using two different maturation media (commercial and homemade) with or without growth differentiation factor 9-β (GDF9-β). supplementation.

Methods

Immature oocytes from intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles were collected and assigned to one of two IVM culture media (commercial or homemade; cleavage-stage base). After maturation, MII oocytes were examined under an inverted microscope for the presence of the polar body, zona pellucida (ZP) birefringence, and meiotic spindle (MS) visualization after maturation in four conditions (commercial or homemade medium, with or without GDF9-β. ICSI was done for matured oocytes, and fertilization was confirmed by the visualization of two distinct pronuclei and two polar bodies.

Results

No significant differences were found between the two culture media in terms of the time and rate of oocyte maturation or the rate of fertilization (p>0.05). Growth factor supplementation increased the 24-hour maturation rate for both GV and MI oocytes only in homemade medium. The maturation rate after 24 hours was higher for MI oocytes (p<0.05). Similar results were observed for MS visualization and ZP structure in both types of media (p>0.05).

Conclusion

Higher rates of oocyte maturation and fertilization were observed after application of homemade medium supplemented with GDF9-β. Therefore, this combination may be recommended as an alternative for clinical IVM programs.

Chromosome Segregation in the Oocyte: What Goes Wrong during Aging

Human female fertility and reproductive lifespan decrease significantly with age, resulting in an extended post-reproductive period. The central dogma in human female reproduction contains two important aspects. One is the pool of oocytes in the human ovary (the ovarian reserve; approximately 10⁶ at birth), which diminishes throughout life until menopause around the age of 50 (approximately 10³ oocytes) in women. The second is the quality of oocytes, including the correctness of meiotic divisions, among other factors. Notably, the increased rate of sub- and infertility, aneuploidy, miscarriages, and birth defects are associated with advanced maternal age, especially in women above 35 years of age. This postponement is also relevant for human evolution; decades ago, the female aging-related fertility drop was not as important as it is today because women were having their children at a younger age. Spindle assembly is crucial for chromosome segregation during each cell division and oocyte maturation, making it an important event for euploidy. Consequently, aberrations in this segregation process, especially during the first meiotic division in human eggs, can lead to implantation failure or spontaneous abortion. Today, human reproductive medicine is also facing a high prevalence of aneuploidy, even in young females. However, the shift in the reproductive phase of humans and the strong increase in errors make the problem much more dramatic at later stages of the female reproductive phase. Aneuploidy in human eggs could be the result of the non-disjunction of entire chromosomes or sister chromatids during oocyte meiosis, but partial or segmental aneuploidies are also relevant. In this review, we intend to describe the relevance of the spindle apparatus during oocyte maturation for proper chromosome segregation in the context of maternal aging and the female reproductive lifespan.

Perfluorooctanoic acid inhibits the maturation rate of mouse oocytes cultured in vitro by triggering mitochondrial and DNA damage

BACKGROUND

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is widely used in the manufacture of household and industrial products. It has certain toxicity and leaves many residues in the environment. Numerous studies have shown that PFOA exhibits endocrine disrupting properties and immunotoxicity and induces developmental defects. However, there is very little information regarding its toxicity on oocytes.

METHODS

We cultured denuded oocytes in maturation medium supplemented with 0, 300, or 500 PFOA during IVM and evaluated the maturation of oocytes from the aspects of ROS(DCFH-DA), mitochondria(MitoOrange and JC-1), DNA damage(P-H2AX), and cytoskeleton(β-tubulin).

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the PFOA treatment group exhibited significantly reduced proportion of oocytes matutation. Furthermore, the DCFH-DA test showed that PFOA significantly increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. PFOA disrupted mitochondrial distribution and decreased mitochondrial function as assessed using MitoOrange and JC-1. In addition, PFOA-treated oocytes exhibited a significantly higher percentage of P-H2AX, defective β-tubulin, abnormal chromosome alignment, lower expression of the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2, and higher expression of the apoptotic genes caspase3 and Bax.

CONCLUSION

In summary, PFOA could negatively and directly affect oocyte maturation in vitro and cause oxidative stress, mitochondrial function disruption, DNA damage, cytoskeleton damage, and apoptosis.

Morphometric, subcellular, in vitro fertilisation and embryonic developmental assessment of mouse oocytes produced by anti-inhibin serum or pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin superovulation

This study compared the morphometric, subcellular characteristics, in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and embryonic developmental potential of metaphase II (MII) mouse oocytes obtained from females superovulated with either anti-inhibin serum-human chorionic gonadotrophin (AIS-hCG) or pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG)-hCG. The oocyte's quantity, quality, zona pellucida (ZP) thickness, perivitelline space (PVS), diameter, microtubules, F-actin, cortical granules (CGs) and mitochondrial distribution were determined. Superovulation using AIS-hCG resulted in a higher numbers of oocyte/donor compared with PMSG-hCG (P=0.002). There was no difference in morphologically normal and abnormal oocytes between AIS-hCG and PMSG-hCG (P=0.425 and P=0.194, respectively). The morphometric measurements showed no difference in oocyte diameter between AIS-hCG and PMSG-hCG (P=0.289). However, the thickness of the ZP of oocytes from AIS-hCG females was decreased compared with PMSG-hCG (P<0.001). The PVS of oocytes from the AIS-hCG was larger than with PMSG-hCG (P<0.001). The microtubules of oocytes from both AIS-hCG and PMSG-hCG were normal, although there was an increased fluorescence intensity in the AIS-hCG oocytes (P<0.001). The F-actin and CGs distribution in oocytes from both AIS-hCG and PMSG-hCG were similar (P=0.330 and P=0.13, respectively). Although the oocytes from PMSG-hCG females had homogenously distributed mitochondria, AIS-hCG oocytes showed more peripheral distribution with no differences in fluorescence intensity (P=0.137). The blastocyst development rates after IVF with fresh sperm showed no difference between AIS-hCG and PMSG-hCG (P=0.235). These data suggested that AIS-hCG superovulation produces high numbers of morphologically normal oocytes that also possess normal subcellular structures, good morphological characteristics and had high invitro embryonic developmental potential.

Triclocarban exposure affects mouse oocyte in vitro maturation through inducing mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress

Triclocarban (TCC), a broad-spectrum lipophilic antibacterial agent, is the main ingredient of personal and health care products. Nonetheless, its ubiquitous presence in the environment has been established to negatively affect the reproduction in humans and animals. In this work, we studied the possible toxic effects of TCC on mouse oocytes maturation in vitro. Our findings revealed that TCC-treated immature mouse oocytes had a significantly reduced rate of polar body extrusion (PBE) compared to that of control. Further study demonstrated that the cell cycle progression and cytoskeletal dynamics were disrupted after TCC exposure, which resulted in the continuous activation of spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC). Moreover, TCC-treated oocytes had mitochondrial damage, reduced ATP content, and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Furthermore, TCC exposure induced oxidative stress and subsequently triggered early apoptosis in mouse oocytes. Besides, the levels of histone methylation were also affected, as indicated by increased H3K27me2 and H3K27me3 levels. In summary, our results revealed that TCC exposure disrupted mouse oocytes maturation through affecting cell cycle progression, cytoskeletal dynamics, oxidative stress, early apoptosis, mitochondria function, and histone modifications in vitro.

RAB7 GTPase regulates actin dynamics for DRP1-mediated mitochondria function and spindle migration in mouse oocyte meiosis

RAB7 is a small GTPase that belongs to the Rab family, and as a vesicle trafficking factor it is shown to regulate the transport to late endocytic compartments, autophagosome maturation and organelle function. In present study, we showed the critical roles of RAB7 GTPase on actin dynamics and mitochondria function in oocyte meiosis. RAB7 mainly accumulated at cortex and spindle periphery during oocyte maturation. RAB7 depletion caused the failure of polar body extrusion and asymmetric division, and Rab7 exogenous mRNA supplement could rescue the defects caused by RAB7 RNAi. Based on mass spectrometry analysis, we found that RAB7 associated with several actin nucleation factors and mitochondria-related proteins in oocytes. The depletion of RAB7 caused the decrease of actin dynamics, which further affected meiotic spindle migration to the oocyte cortex. In addition, we found that RAB7 could maintain mitochondrial membrane potential and the mitochondrial distribution in mouse oocytes, and this might be due to its effects on the phosphorylation of DRP1 at Ser616 domain. Taken together, our data indicated that RAB7 transported actin nucleation factor for actin polarization, which further affected the phosphorylation of DRP1 for mitochondria dynamics and the meiotic spindle migration in mouse oocytes.

Spatio-temporal expression of ANK2 promotes cytokinesis in oocytes

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 translation. A subset of maternal transcripts is stored in a translationally dormant state in the oocyte, and temporally driven translation of specific mRNAs propel meiotic progression, oocyte-to-embryo transition and early embryo development. We identified Ank2.3 as the only transcript variant present in the mouse oocyte and discovered that it is translated after nuclear envelope breakdown. Here we show that Ank2.3 mRNA is localized in higher concentration in the oocyte nucleoplasm and, after nuclear envelope breakdown, in the newly forming spindle where its translation occurs. Furthermore, we reveal that Ank2.3 mRNA contains an oligo-pyrimidine motif at 5'UTR that predetermines its translation through a cap-dependent pathway. Lastly, we show that prevention of ANK2 translation leads to abnormalities in oocyte cytokinesis.

The effects of graphene quantum dots on the maturation of mouse oocytes and development of offspring

Recently, graphene nanomaterials have attracted tremendous attention and have been utilized in various fields because of their excellent mechanical, thermal, chemical, optical properties, and good biocompatibility, especially in biomedical aspects. However, there is a concern that the unique characteristics of nanomaterials may have undesirable effects. Therefore, in this study, we sought to systematically investigate the effects of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) on the maturation of mouse oocytes and development of the offspring via in vitro and in vivo studies. In vitro, we found that the first polar body extrusion rate in the high dosage exposure groups (1.0-1.5 mg/ml) ₂ decreased significantly and the failure of spindle migration and actin cap formation after GQDs exposure was observed. The underlying mechanisms might be associated with reactive oxygen species accumulation and DNA damage. Moreover, transmission electron microscope studies showed that GQDs may have been internalized into oocytes, tending to accumulate in the nucleus and severely affecting mitochondrial morphology, which included swollen and vacuolated mitochondria accompanied by cristae alteration with a lower amount of dense mitochondrial matrix. In vivo, when pregnant mice were exposed to GQDs at 8.5 days of gestation (GD, 8.5), we found that high dosage of GQD exposure (30 mg/kg) significantly affected mean fetal length; however, all the second generation of female mice grew up normal, attained sexual maturity, and gave birth to a healthy offspring after mating with a healthy male mouse. The results presented in this study are important for the future investigation of GQDs for the biomedical applications.

Journey of oocyte from metaphase-I to metaphase-II stage in mammals

In mammals, journey from metaphase-I (M-I) to metaphase-II (M-II) is important since oocyte extrude first polar body (PB-I) and gets converted into haploid gamete. The molecular and cellular changes associated with meiotic cell cycle progression from M-I to M-II stage and extrusion of PB-I remain ill understood. Several factors drive oocyte meiosis from M-I to M-II stage. The mitogen-activated protein kinase3/1 (MAPK3/1), signal molecules and Rho family GTPases act through various pathways to drive cell cycle progression from M-I to M-II stage. The down regulation of MOS/MEK/MAPK3/1 pathway results in the activation of anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C). The active APC/C destabilizes maturation promoting factor (MPF) and induces meiotic resumption. Several signal molecules such as, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK2), SENP3, mitotic kinesin-like protein 2 (MKlp2), regulator of G-protein signaling (RGS2), Epsin2, polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) are directly or indirectly involved in chromosomal segregation. Rho family GTPase is another enzyme that along with cell division cycle (Cdc42) to form actomyosin contractile ring required for chromosomal segregation. In the presence of origin recognition complex (ORC4), eccentrically localized haploid set of chromosomes trigger cortex differentiation and determine the division site for polar body formation. The actomyosin contractile activity at the site of division plane helps to form cytokinetic furrow that results in the formation and extrusion of PB-I. Indeed, oocyte journey from M-I to M-II stage is coordinated by several factors and pathways that enable oocyte to extrude PB-I. Quality of oocyte directly impact fertilization rate, early embryonic development, and reproductive outcome in mammals.

Localization of RNA and translation in the mammalian oocyte and embryo

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.

Tristetraprolin functions in cytoskeletal organization during mouse oocyte maturation

Tristetraprolin (TTP), a member of TIS11 family containing CCCH tandem zinc finger, is one of the best characterized RNA-binding proteins. However, to date, the role of TTP in mammalian oocytes remains completely unknown. In the present study, we report the altered maturational progression and cytokinesis, upon specific knockdown of TTP in mouse oocytes. Furthermore, by confocal scanning, we observe the failure to form cortical actin cap during meiosis of TTP-depleted oocytes. Loss of TTP in oocytes also results in disruption of meiotic spindle morphology and chromosome alignment. In support of these findings, incidence of aneuploidy is accordingly increased when TTP is abated in oocytes. Our results suggest that TTP as a novel cytoskeletal regulator is required for spindle morphology/chromosome alignment and actin polymerization in oocytes.

Daam1 regulates fascin for actin assembly in mouse oocyte meiosis

As a formin protein, Daam1 (Dishevelled-associated activator of morphogenesis 1) is reported to regulate series of cell processes like endocytosis, cell morphology and migration via its effects on actin assembly in mitosis. However, whether Daam1 plays roles in female meiosis remains uncertain. In this study, we investigated the expression and functions of Daam1 during mouse oocyte meiosis. Our results indicated that Daam1 localized at the cortex of oocytes, which was similar with actin filaments. After Daam1 morpholino (MO) microinjection, the expression of Daam1 significantly decreased, which resulted in the failure of oocyte polar body extrusion. These results might be due to the defects of actin assembly, since the decreased fluorescence intensity of actin filaments in oocyte cortex and cytoplasm were observed. However, Daam1 knockdown seemed not to affect the meiotic spindle movement. In addition, we found that fascin might be the down effector of Daam1, since the protein expression of fascin decreased after Daam1 knockdown. Thus, our data suggested that Daam1 affected actin assembly during oocyte meiotic division via the regulation of fascin expression.

Filamin A is required for spindle migration and asymmetric division in mouse oocytes

Dynamic changes in the actin network are crucial for the cortical migration of spindles and establishment of polarity, to ensure asymmetric division during meiotic maturation. In this study, filamin A (FLNA) was found to be an essential actin regulator that controlled spindle migration and asymmetric division during oocyte meiosis. FLNA was localized in the cytoplasm and enriched at the cortex and near the chromosomes. Knockdown of FLNA impaired meiotic asymmetric division and spindle migration with a decrease in the amount of cytoplasmic actin mesh and cortical actin levels. Moreover, FLNA knockdown reduced the phosphorylation of cofilin and Rho kinase (ROCK) near the spindle. Similar phenotypes, such as decreased filament actin levels, impaired spindle migration and polar body extrusion, were observed when active cofilin (S3A) was overexpressed or ROCK was inhibited. Notably, we found that FLNA and ROCK interacted directly in mouse oocytes. Taken together, our results show that FLNA plays crucial roles in asymmetric division during meiotic maturation by regulating ROCK-cofilin-mediated actin reorganization.-Wang, H., Guo J., Lin, Z., Namgoong, S., Oh, J. S., Kim, N.-H. Filamin A is required for spindle migration and asymmetric division in mouse oocytes.

Inhibition of Rac1 GTPase activity affects porcine oocyte maturation and early embryo development

Mammalian oocyte asymmetric division relies on the eccentric positioning of the spindle, resulting in the polar body formation. Small signaling G protein Rac1 is a member of GTPases, which regulates a diverse array of cellular events, including the control of cell growth, cytoskeletal reorganization, and the activation of protein kinases. However, effects of Rac1 on the porcine oocyte maturation and early embryo development are not fully understood. In present study we investigated the role of Rac1 in oocyte maturation and embryo cleavage. We first found that Rac1 localized at the cortex of the porcine oocytes, and disrupting the Rac1 activities by treating with NSC 23766 led to the failure of polar body emission. In addition, a majority of treated oocytes exhibited abnormal spindle morphology, indicating that Rac1 may involve into porcine oocyte spindle formation. This might be due to the regulation of Rac1 on MAPK, since p-MAPK expression decreased after NSC 23766 treatments. Moreover, we found that the position of most meiotic spindles in treated oocytes were away from the cortex, indicating the roles of Rac1 on meiotic spindle positioning. Our results also showed that inhibition of Rac1 activity caused the failure of early embryo development. Therefore, our study showed the critical roles of Rac1 GTPase on porcine oocyte maturation and early embryo cleavage.

Dynamic changes in mitochondrial distribution in human oocytes during meiotic maturation

PURPOSE

The change of mitochondrial distribution in human oocytes during meiotic maturation was assessed using 223 human oocytes donated from patients undergoing fertility treatment between June 2013 and February 2016.

METHODS

Live cell images of fluorescence-labelled mitochondria in human oocytes were analysed to investigate dynamic changes in mitochondrial distribution during meiotic maturation using a confocal microscope combined with an incubator in the presence or absence of colchicine and cytochalasin B, inhibitors for tubulin and actin filament, respectively. Subcellular distribution of mitochondria in human oocytes was also assessed at various stages using a transmission electron microscope (TEM).

RESULTS

Live cell imaging analysis revealed that the mitochondria-occupied cytoplasmic area decreased from 83 to 77 % of the total cytoplasmic area around 6 h before germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and that mitochondria accumulated preferentially close to the perinuclear region. Then, the mitochondria-distributed area rapidly increased to 85 % of total cytoplasm at the time of GVBD. On the other hand, there was no significant change in mitochondrial distribution before and after polar body extrusion. Such changes in mitochondrial localization were affected differently by colchicine and cytochalasin B. Most of mitochondria in the cytoplasm formed cluster-like aggregates before GVBD while they distributed homogeneously after GVBD.

CONCLUSIONS

Most mitochondria localized predominantly in the non-cortical region of the cytoplasm of GV stage-oocytes, while the mitochondria-occupied area decreased transiently before GVBD and increased rapidly to occupy the entire area of the cytoplasm at GVBD by some cytoskeleton-dependent mechanism.

Deficiencies in extrusion of the second polar body due to high calcium concentrations during in vitro fertilization in inbred C3H/He mice

Successful in vitro fertilization (IVF) of all inbred strains of laboratory mice has not yet been accomplished. We have previously shown that a high calcium concentration improved IVF in various inbred mice. However, we also found that in cumulus-free ova of C3H/He mice such IVF conditions significantly increased the deficiency of extrusion of the second polar body (PBII) in a dose-dependent manner (2% at 1.71 mM and 29% at 6.84 mM, P < 0.05) and that PBII extrusion was affected by high calcium levels at 2–3 h post-insemination. While developmental competence of ova without PBII extrusion to blastocysts after 96 h culture was not affected, a significant reduction in the nuclear number of the inner cell mass was observed in blastocyst fertilized under high calcium condition. We also examined how high calcium concentration during IVF affects PBII extrusion in C3H/He mice. Cumulus cells cultured under high calcium conditions showed a significantly alleviated deficient PBII extrusion. This phenomenon is likely to be specific to C3H/He ova because deficient PBII extrusion in reciprocal fertilization between C3H and BDF1 gametes was observed only in C3H/He ova. Sperm factor(s) was still involved in deficient PBII extrusion due to high calcium concentrations, as this phenomenon was not observed in ova activated by ethanol. The cytoskeletal organization of ova without PBII extrusion showed disturbed spindle rotation, incomplete formation of contractile ring and disturbed localization of actin, suggesting that high calcium levels affect the anchoring machinery of the meiotic spindle. These results indicate that in C3H/He mice high calcium levels induce abnormal fertilization, i.e. deficient PBII extrusion by affecting the cytoskeletal organization, resulting in disturbed cytokinesis during the second meiotic division. Thus, use of high calcium media for IVF should be avoided for this strain.

Sirtuin Inhibition Adversely Affects Porcine Oocyte Meiosis

Sirtuins have been implicated in diverse biological processes, including oxidative stress, energy metabolism, cell migration, and aging. Here, we employed Sirtuin inhibitors, nicotinamide (NAM) and Sirtinol, to investigate their effects on porcine oocyte maturation respectively. The rate of polar body extrusion in porcine oocytes decreased after treatment with NAM and Sirtinol, accompanied with the failure of cumulus cell expansion. We further found that NAM and Sirtinol significantly disrupted oocyte polarity, and inhibited the formation of actin cap and cortical granule-free domain (CGFD). Moreover, the abnormal spindles and misaligned chromosomes were readily detected during porcine oocyte maturation after treatment with NAM and Sirtinol. Together, these results suggest that Sirtuins are involved in cortical polarity and spindle organization in porcine oocytes.

RhoA-mediated FMNL1 regulates GM130 for actin assembly and phosphorylates MAPK for spindle formation in mouse oocyte meiosis

Formin-like 1 (FMNL1) is a member of Formin family proteins which are the actin nucleators. Although FMNL1 activities have been shown to be essential for cell adhesion, cytokinesis, cell polarization and migration in mitosis, the functional roles of mammalian FMNL1 during oocyte meiosis remain uncertain. In this study, we investigated the functions of FMNL1 in mouse oocytes using specific morpholino (MO) microinjection and live cell imaging. Immunofluorescent staining showed that in addition to its cytoplasmic distribution, FMNL1 was primarily localized at the spindle poles after germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD). FMNL1 knockdown caused the low rate of polar body extrusion and resulted in large polar bodies. Time-lapse microscopic and immunofluorescence intensity analysis indicated that this might be due to the aberrant actin expression levels. Cortical polarity was disrupted as shown by a loss of actin cap and cortical granule free domain (CGFD) formation, which was confirmed by a failure of meiotic spindle positioning. And this might be the reason for the large polar body formation. Spindle formation was also disrupted, which might be due to the abnormal localization of p-MAPK. These results indicated that FMNL1 affected both actin dynamics and spindle formation for the oocyte polar body extrusion. Moreover, FMNL1 depletion resulted in aberrant localization and expression patterns of a cis-Golgi marker protein, GM130. Finally, we found that the small GTPase RhoA might be the upstream regulator of FMNL1. Taken together, our data indicate that FMNL1 is required for spindle organization and actin assembly through a RhoA-FMNL1-GM130 pathway during mouse oocyte meiosis.

Oocyte maturation: gamete-somatic cells interactions, meiotic resumption, cytoskeletal dynamics and cytoplasmic reorganization

BACKGROUND

In a growth phase occurring during most of folliculogenesis, the oocyte produces and accumulates molecules and organelles that are fundamental for the development of the preimplantation embryo. At ovulation, growth is followed by a phase of maturation that, although confined within a short temporal window, encompasses modifications of the oocyte chromosome complement and rearrangements of cytoplasmic components that are crucial for the achievement of developmental competence. Cumulus cells (CCs) are central to the process of maturation, providing the oocyte with metabolic support and regulatory cues.

METHODS

PubMed was used to search the MEDLINE database for peer-reviewed original articles and reviews concerning oocyte maturation in mammals. Searches were performed adopting 'oocyte' and 'maturation' as main terms, in association with other keywords expressing concepts relevant to the subject. The most relevant publications, i.e. those concerning major phenomena occurring during oocyte maturation in established experimental models and the human species, were assessed and discussed critically to offer a comprehensive description of the process of oocyte maturation.

RESULTS

By applying the above described search criteria, 6165 publications were identified, of which 543 were review articles. The number of publications increased steadily from 1974 (n = 7) to 2013 (n = 293). In 2014, from January to the time of submission of this manuscript, 140 original manuscripts and reviews were published. The studies selected for this review extend previous knowledge and shed new and astounding knowledge on oocyte maturation. It has long been known that resumption of meiosis and progression to the metaphase II stage is intrinsic to oocyte maturation, but novel findings have revealed that specific chromatin configurations are indicative of a propensity of the oocyte to resume the meiotic process and acquire developmental competence. Recently, genetic integrity has also been characterized as a factor with important implications for oocyte maturation and quality. Changes occurring in the cytoplasmic compartment are equally fundamental. Microtubules, actin filaments and chromatin not only interact to finalize chromosome segregation, but also crucially co-operate to establish cell asymmetry. This allows polar body extrusion to be accomplished with minimal loss of cytoplasm. The cytoskeleton also orchestrates the rearrangement of organelles in preparation for fertilization. For example, during maturation the distribution of the endoplasmic reticulum undergoes major modifications guided by microtubules and microfilaments to make the oocyte more competent in the generation of intracellular Ca(2+) oscillations that are pivotal for triggering egg activation. Cumulus cells are inherent to the process of oocyte maturation, emitting regulatory signals via direct cell-to-cell contacts and paracrine factors. In addition to nurturing the oocyte with key metabolites, CCs regulate meiotic resumption and modulate the function of the oocyte cytoskeleton.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the importance of oocyte maturation for the achievement of female meiosis has long been recognized, until recently much less was known of the significance of this process in relation to other fundamental developmental events. Studies on chromatin dynamics and integrity have extended our understanding of female meiosis. Concomitantly, cytoskeletal and organelle changes and the ancillary role of CCs have been better appreciated. This is expected to inspire novel concepts and advances in assisted reproduction technologies, such as the development of novel in vitro maturation systems and the identification of biomarkers of oocyte quality.

Role of caspase-3 cleaved IP3 R1 on Ca(2+) homeostasis and developmental competence of mouse oocytes and eggs

Apoptosis in most cell types is accompanied by altered Ca(2+) homeostasis. During apoptosis, caspase-3 mediated cleavage of the type 1 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3 R1) generates a 95-kDa C-terminal fragment (C-IP3 R1), which represents the channel domain of the receptor. Aged mouse eggs display abnormal Ca(2+) homeostasis and express C-IP3 R1, although whether or not C-IP3 R1 expression contributes to Ca(2+) misregulation or a decrease in developmental competency is unknown. We sought to answer these questions by injecting in mouse oocytes and eggs cRNAs encoding C-IP3 R1. We found that: (1) expression of C-IP3 R1 in eggs lowered the Ca(2+) content of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), although, as C-IP3 R1 is quickly degraded at this stage, its expression did not impair pre-implantation embryo development; (2) expression of C-IP3 R1 in eggs enhanced fragmentation associated with aging; (3) endogenous IP3 R1 is required for aging associated apoptosis, as its down-regulation prevented fragmentation, and expression of C-IP3 R1 in eggs with downregulated IP3 R1 partly restored fragmentation; (4) C-IP3 R1 expression in GV oocytes resulted in persistent levels of protein, which abolished the increase in the ER releasable Ca(2+) pool that occurs during maturation, undermined the Ca(2+) oscillatory ability of matured eggs and their activation potential. Collectively, this study supports a role for IP3 R1 and C-IP3 R1 in regulating Ca(2+) homeostasis and the ER Ca(2+) content during oocyte maturation. Nevertheless, the role of C-IP3 R1 on Ca(2+) homeostasis in aged eggs seems minor, as in MII eggs the majority of endogenous IP3 R1 remains intact and C-IP3 R1 undergoes rapid turnover.

WASH complex regulates Arp2/3 complex for actin-based polar body extrusion in mouse oocytes

Prior to their fertilization, oocytes undergo asymmetric division, which is regulated by actin filaments. Recently, WASH complex were identified as actin nucleation promoting factors (NPF) that activated Arp2/3 complex. However, the roles of WASH complex remain uncertain, particularly for oocyte polarization and asymmetric division. Here, we examined the functions of two important subunits of a WASH complex, WASH1 and Strumpellin, during mouse oocyte meiosis. Depleting WASH1 or disrupting Strumpellin activity by WASH1 morpholino (MO) injection or Strumpellin antibody injection decreased polar body extrusion and caused oocyte symmetric division, and this may have been due to spindle formation and migration defects. Time lapse microscopy showed that actin filaments distribution and relative amount at the membrane and in the cytoplasm of oocytes was significantly decreased after disrupting WASH complex. In addition, Arp2/3 complex expression was reduced after WASH1 depletion. Thus, our data indicated that WASH complex regulated Arp2/3 complex and were required for cytokinesis and following polar body extrusion during mouse oocyte meiotic maturation.

Deubiquitinating enzymes in oocyte maturation, fertilization and preimplantation embryo development

Post-translational modifications of cellular proteins by ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like protein modifiers are important regulatory events involved in diverse aspects of gamete and embryo physiology including oocyte maturation, fertilization and development of embryos to term. Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) regulate proteolysis by reversing ubiquitination, which targets proteins to the 26S proteasome. The ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolases (UCHs) comprise are DUBs that play a role in the removal of multi-ubiquitin chains. We review here the roles of UCHs in oocytes maturation, fertilization and development in mouse, bovine, porcine and rhesus monkeys. Oocyte UCHs contributes to fertilization and embryogenesis by regulating the physiology of the oocyte and blastomere cortex as well as oocyte spindle. Lack of UCHs in embryos reduces fertilization, while mutant embryos fail to undergo compaction and blastocyst formation. In addition to advancing our understanding of reproductive process, research on the role of deubiquitinating enzymes will allow us to better understand and treat human infertility, and to optimize reproductive performance in agriculturally important livestock species.

Contributions of the actin cytoskeleton to the emergence of polarity during maturation in human oocytes

In mature mammalian oocytes, cortical f-actin distribution is polarized, as evidenced by a prominent cap subtended by the metaphase II (MII) spindle. Formation of a polarized actin cap is a consequence of a complex actomyosin-driven contractile process that directs polar body extrusion. Human mature oocytes also display a network of suboolemmal actin, but so far there has been no suggestion of an actin-rich domain in the vicinity of the spindle. By high-resolution confocal microscopy, we generated semi-quantitative data of the actin cytoskeleton in human mature and immature oocytes, with the aim to better understand the characteristics and remodelling of this cytoskeletal component in the female gamete. In mature MII oocytes, the cortical domain near the spindle showed a more intense actin signal in comparison to the opposite cortical domain (177.2±59.0 versus 126.8±61.0, P<0.0001; data expressed in arbitrary units). The extent of cortical f-actin polarity was comparable between in vivo and in vitro matured oocytes. However, both the degree of polarity and relative abundance of signal were diminished with increasing maternal age. Mean intensity of cytoplasmic actin was significantly higher in oocytes matured in vitro derived from in vitro maturation (IVM) cycle, in comparison to oocytes matured in vivo or in vitro obtained from controlled ovarian stimulation cycles (35.0±8.0, 21.1±12.4 and 25.9±8.6, respectively; P=0.025). In germinal vesicle (GV)-stage oocytes obtained from both IVM and controlled ovarian stimulation cycles, cortical actin did not appear polarized, irrespective of whether the GV was located centrally or asymmetrically. These data indicate that, during maturation, cortical actin acquires a polarized distribution involving an accumulation in the domain adjacent the spindle. They also propose new questions concerning the existence of cytoplasmic actin in mature oocytes. Finally, they are suggestive of an influence of maternal age on the actin cytoskeleton.

Symmetry breaking and polarity establishment during mouse oocyte maturation

Mammalian oocyte meiosis encompasses two rounds of asymmetric divisions to generate a totipotent haploid egg and, as by-products, two small polar bodies. Two intracellular events, asymmetric spindle positioning and cortical polarization, are critical to such asymmetric divisions. Actin but not microtubule cytoskeleton has been known to be directly involved in both events. Recent work has revealed a positive feedback loop between chromosome-mediated cortical activation and the Arp2/3-orchestrated cytoplasmic streaming that moves chromosomes. This feedback loop not only maintains meiotic II spindle position during metaphase II arrest, but also brings about symmetry breaking during meiosis I. Prior to an Arp2/3-dependent phase of fast movement, meiotic I spindle experiences a slow and non-directional first phase of migration driven by a pushing force from Fmn2-mediated actin polymerization. In addition to illustrating these molecular mechanisms, mathematical simulations are presented to elucidate mechanical properties of actin-dependent force generation in this system.

The Mos-MAPK pathway regulates Diaphanous-related formin activity to drive cleavage furrow closure during polar body extrusion in starfish oocytes

Maintenance of spindle attachment to the cortex and formation of the cleavage furrow around the protruded spindle are essential for polar body extrusion (PBE) during meiotic maturation of oocytes. Although spindle movement to the cortex has been well-studied, how the spindle is maintained at the cortex during PBE is unknown. Here, we show that activation of Diaphanous-related formin mediated by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is required for tight spindle attachment to the cortex and cleavage furrow closure during PBE in starfish (Asterina pectinifera) oocytes. A. pectinifera Diaphanous-related formin (ApDia) had a distinct localization in immature oocytes and was localized to the cleavage furrow during PBE. Inhibition of the Mos-MAPK pathway or the actin nucleating activity of formin homology 2 domain prevented cleavage furrow closure and resulted in PBE failure. In MEK/MAPK-inhibited oocytes, activation of ApDia by relief of its intramolecular inhibition restored PBE. In summary, this study elucidates a link between the Mos-MAPK pathway and Diaphanous-related formins, that is responsible for maintaining tight spindle attachment to the cortex and cleavage furrow closure during PBE.

ING3 is essential for asymmetric cell division during mouse oocyte maturation

ING3 (inhibitor of growth family, member 3) is a subunit of the nucleosome acetyltransferase of histone 4 (NuA4) complex, which activates gene expression. ING3, which contains a plant homeodomain (PHD) motif that can bind to trimethylated lysine 4 on histone H3 (H3K4me3), is ubiquitously expressed in mammalian tissues and governs transcriptional regulation, cell cycle control, and apoptosis via p53-mediated transcription or the Fas/caspase-8 pathway. Thus, ING3 plays a number of important roles in various somatic cells. However, the role(s) of ING3 in germ cells remains unknown. Here, we show that loss of ING3 function led to the failure of asymmetric cell division and cortical reorganization in the mouse oocyte. Immunostaining showed that in fully grown germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes, ING3 localized predominantly in the GV. After germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD), ING3 homogeneously localized in the cytoplasm. In oocytes where Ing3 was targeted by siRNA microinjection, we observed symmetric cell division during mouse oocyte maturation. In those oocytes, oocyte polarization was not established due to the failure to form an actin cap or a cortical granule-free domain (CGFD), the lack of which inhibited spindle migration. These features were among the main causes of abnormal symmetric cell division. Interestingly, an analysis of the mRNA expression levels of genes related to asymmetric cell division revealed that only mTOR was downregulated, and, furthermore, that genes downstream of mTOR (e.g., Cdc42, Rac1, and RhoA) were also downregulated in siIng3-injected oocytes. Therefore, ING3 may regulate asymmetric cell division through the mTOR pathway during mouse oocyte maturation.

Using FRET to study RanGTP gradients in live mouse oocytes

Oocytes are extremely large cells that have to coordinate accurate chromosome segregation, asymmetric cytoplasm partitioning together with their own development as fertilizable gametes. For this, they undergo both global (cell cycle progression related) and local changes. It is therefore essential to be able to monitor local changes as they take place in live maturing oocytes. We describe here a method to follow RanGTP gradients using FRET technology in vivo.

Polar body cytokinesis

Polar body cytokinesis is the physical separation of a small polar body from a larger oocyte or ovum. This maternal meiotic division shares many similarities with mitotic and spermatogenic cytokinesis, but there are several distinctions, which will be discussed in this review. We synthesize results from many different model species, including those popular for their genetics and several that are more obscure in modern cell biology. The site of polar body division is determined before anaphase, by the eccentric, cortically associated meiotic spindle. Depending on the species, either the actin or microtubule cytoskeleton is required for spindle anchoring. Chromatin is necessary and sufficient to elicit differentiation of the associated cortex, via Ran-based signaling. The midzone of the anaphase spindle serves as a hub for regulatory complexes that elicit Rho activation, and ultimately actomyosin contractile ring assembly and contraction. Polar body cytokinesis uniquely requires another Rho family GTPase, Cdc42, for dynamic reorganization of the polar cortex. This is perhaps due to the considerable asymmetry of this division, wherein the polar body and the oocyte/ovum have distinct fates and very different sizes. Thus, maternal meiotic cytokinesis appears to occur via simultaneous polar relaxation and equatorial contraction, since the polar body is extruded from the spherical oocyte through the nascent contractile ring. As such, polar body cytokinesis is an interesting and important variation on the theme of cell division.

mTOR is required for asymmetric division through small GTPases in mouse oocytes

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is central to the control of cell proliferation, growth, and survival in mammalian cells. Prolonged treatment with rapamycin inhibits mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2) activity, and both the mTORC1-mediated S6K1 and 4E-BP1/eIF4E pathways are essential for TORC2-mediated RhoA, Cdc42, and Rac1 expression during cell motility and F-actin reorganization. The functions of mTOR in the mouse oocyte remain unclear, however. The present study shows that rapamycin affects mTOR expression and cytoskeleton reorganization during meiotic maturation of mouse oocytes. mTOR mRNA was expressed in germinal vesicles (GV) until metaphase I (MI), and increased during metaphase II (MII). Immunostaining showed that mTOR localized around the spindle and in the cytoplasm of oocytes. Treatment of oocytes with rapamycin decreased mTOR at the RNA and protein level, and altered asymmetric division. Formation of the actin cap and the cortical granule-free domain were also disrupted after rapamycin treatment, indicating the failure of spindle migration. Injection of an anti-mTOR antibody yielded results consistent with those obtained for rapamycin treatment, further confirming the involvement of mTOR in oocyte polarity. Furthermore, rapamycin treatment reduced the mRNA expression of small GTPases (RhoA, Cdc42, and Rac1), which are crucial regulatory factors for cytoskeleton reorganization. Taken together, these results suggest that rapamycin inhibits spindle migration and asymmetric division during mouse oocyte maturation via mTOR-mediated small GTPase signaling pathways.

Acentrosomal spindle assembly and chromosome segregation during oocyte meiosis

The ability to reproduce relies in most eukaryotes on specialized cells called gametes. Gametes are formed by the process of meiosis in which, after a single round of replication, two successive cell divisions reduce the ploidy of the genome. Fusion of gametes at fertilization reconstitutes diploidy. In most animal species, chromosome segregation during female meiosis occurs on spindles assembled in the absence of the major microtubule-organizing center, the centrosome. In mammals, oocyte meiosis is error prone and underlies most birth aneuploidies. Here, we review recent work on acentrosomal spindle formation and chromosome alignment/separation during oocyte meiosis in different animal models.

Essential role of ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolases UCHL1 and UCHL3 in mammalian oocyte maturation

Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolases (UCHs) comprise a family of deubiquitinating enzymes that play a role in the removal of multi-ubiquitin chains from proteins that are posttranslationally modified by ubiquitination to be targeted for proteolysis by the 26S proteasome. The UCH-enzymes also generate free monomeric ubiquitin from precursor multi-ubiquitin chains and, in some instances, may rescue ubiquitinated proteins from degradation. This study examined the roles of two oocyte-expressed UCHs, UCHL1, and UCHL3 in murine and rhesus monkey oocyte maturation. The Uchl1 and Uchl3 mRNAs were highly expressed in GV and MII oocytes, and were associated with the oocyte cortex (UCHL1) and meiotic spindle (UCHL3). Microinjection of the UCH-family enzyme inhibitor, ubiquitin-aldehyde (UBAL) to GV oocytes prevented oocyte meiotic progression beyond metaphase I in a majority of treated oocytes and caused spindle and first polar body anomalies. Injection of antibodies against UCHL3 disrupted oocyte maturation and caused meiotic anomalies, including abnormally long meiotic spindles. A selective, cell permeant inhibitor of UCHL3, 4, 5, 6, 7-tetrachloroidan-1, 3-dione also caused meiotic defects and chromosome misalignment. Cortical granule localization in the oocyte cortex was disrupted by UBAL injected after oocyte maturation. We conclude that the activity of oocyte UCHs contributes to oocyte maturation by regulating the oocyte cortex and meiotic spindle.

Regulation of asymmetrical cytokinesis by cAMP during meiosis I in mouse oocytes

Mammalian oocytes undergo an asymmetrical first meiotic division, extruding half of their chromosomes in a small polar body to preserve maternal resources for embryonic development. To divide asymmetrically, mammalian oocytes relocate chromosomes from the center of the cell to the cortex, but little is known about the underlying mechanisms. Here, we show that upon the elevation of intracellular cAMP level, mouse oocytes produced two daughter cells with similar sizes. This symmetrical cell division could be rescued by the inhibition of PKA, a cAMP-dependent protein kinase. Live cell imaging revealed that a symmetrically localized cleavage furrow resulted in symmetrical cell division. Detailed analyses demonstrated that symmetrically localized cleavage furrows were caused by the inappropriate central positioning of chromosome clusters at anaphase onset, indicating that chromosome cluster migration was impaired. Notably, high intracellular cAMP reduced myosin II activity, and the microinjection of phospho-myosin II antibody into the oocytes impeded chromosome migration and promoted symmetrical cell division. Our results support the hypothesis that cAMP plays a role in regulating asymmetrical cell division by modulating myosin II activity during mouse oocyte meiosis I, providing a novel insight into the regulation of female gamete formation in mammals.

Polarity and asymmetry during mouse oogenesis and oocyte maturation

Cell polarity and asymmetry play a fundamental role in embryo development. The unequal segregation of determinants, cues, and activities is the major event in the differentiation of cell fate and function in all multicellular organisms. In oocytes, polarity and asymmetry in the distribution of different molecules are prerequisites for the progression and proper outcome of embryonic development. The mouse oocyte, like the oocytes of other mammals, seems to apply a less stringent strategy of polarization than other vertebrates. The mouse embryo undergoes a regulative type of development, which permits the full rectification of development even if the embryo loses up to half of its cells or its size is experimentally doubled during the early stages of embryogenesis. Such pliability is strongly related to the proper oocyte polarization before fertilization. Thus, the molecular mechanisms leading to the development and maintenance of oocyte polarity must be included in any fundamental understanding of the principles of embryo development. In this chapter, we provide an overview of current knowledge regarding the development and maintenance of polarity and asymmetry in the distribution of organelles and molecules in the mouse oocyte. Curiously, the mouse oocyte becomes polarized at least twice during ontogenesis; the question of how this phenomenon is achieved and what role it might play is addressed in this chapter.

Beta- and gamma-cytoplasmic actins are required for meiosis in mouse oocytes

In mammals, female meiosis consists of two asymmetric cell divisions, which generate a large haploid oocyte and two small polar bodies. Asymmetric partitioning of the cytoplasm results from migration of the meiotic spindle toward the cortex and requires actin filaments. However, the subcellular localization and the role of the existing two cytoplasmic actin (CYA) isoforms, beta and gamma, have not been characterized. We show that beta- and gamma-CYA are differentially distributed in the maturing oocyte from late metaphase I as well as in preimplantation embryos. Gamma-CYA is preferentially enriched in oocyte cortices and is absent from all cell-cell contact areas from metaphase II until the blastocyst stage. Beta-CYA is enriched in contractile structures, at cytokinesis, at cell-cell contacts, and around the forming blastocoel. Alteration of beta- or gamma-CYA function by isoform-specific antibody microinjection suggests that gamma-CYA holds a major and specific role in the establishment and/or maintenance of asymmetry in meiosis I and in the maintenance of overall cortical integrity. In contrast, beta- and gamma-CYA, together, appear to participate in the formation and the cortical anchorage of the second meiotic spindle in waiting for fertilization. Finally, differences in gamma-CYA expression are amongst the earliest markers of cell fate determination in development.

Arp2/3 complex regulates asymmetric division and cytokinesis in mouse oocytes

Mammalian oocyte meiotic maturation involves oocyte polarization and a unique asymmetric division, but until now, the underlying mechanisms have been poorly understood. Arp2/3 complex has been shown to regulate actin nucleation and is widely involved in a diverse range of processes such as cell locomotion, phagocytosis and the establishment of cell polarity. Whether Arp2/3 complex participates in oocyte polarization and asymmetric division is unknown. The present study investigated the expression and functions of Arp2/3 complex during mouse oocyte meiotic maturation. Immunofluorescent staining showed that the Arp2/3 complex was restricted to the cortex, with a thickened cap above the meiotic apparatus, and that this localization pattern was depended on actin. Disruption of Arp2/3 complex by a newly-found specific inhibitor CK666, as well as by Arpc2 and Arpc3 RNAi, resulted in a range of effects. These included the failure of asymmetric division, spindle migration, and the formation and completion of oocyte cytokinesis. The formation of the actin cap and cortical granule-free domain (CGFD) was also disrupted, which further confirmed the disruption of spindle migration. Our data suggest that the Arp2/3 complex probably regulates oocyte polarization through its effect on spindle migration, asymmetric division and cytokinesis during mouse oocyte meiotic maturation.

Mos limits the number of meiotic divisions in urochordate eggs

Mos kinase is a universal mediator of oocyte meiotic maturation and is produced during oogenesis and destroyed after fertilization. The hallmark of maternal meiosis is that two successive M phases (meiosis I and II) drive two rounds of asymmetric cell division (ACD). However, how the egg limits the number of meioses to just two, thereby preventing gross aneuploidy, is poorly characterized. Here, in urochordate eggs, we show that loss of Mos/MAPK activity is necessary to prevent entry into meiosis III. Remarkably, maintaining the Mos/MAPK pathway active after fertilization at near physiological levels induces additional rounds of meiotic M phase (meiosis III, IV and V). During these additional rounds of meiosis, the spindle is positioned asymmetrically resulting in further rounds of ACD. In addition, inhibiting meiotic exit with Mos prevents pronuclear formation, cyclin A accumulation and maintains sperm-triggered Ca2+ oscillations, all of which are hallmarks of the meiotic cell cycle in ascidians. It will be interesting to determine whether Mos availability in mammals can also control the number of meioses as it does in the urochordates. Our results demonstrate the power of urochordate eggs as a model to dissect the egg-to-embryo transition.

Early asymmetries in maternal transcript distribution associated with a cortical microtubule network and a polar body in the beetle Tribolium castaneum

The localization of maternal mRNAs during oogenesis plays a central role in axial specification in some insects. Here we describe a polar body-associated asymmetry in maternal transcript distribution in pre-blastoderm eggs of the beetle Tribolium castaneum. Since the position of the polar body marks the future dorsal side of the embryo, we have investigated whether this asymmetry in mRNA distribution plays a role in dorsal-ventral axis specification. Whilst our results suggest polar body-associated transcripts do not play a significant role in specifying the DV axis, at least during early embryogenesis, we do find that the polar body is closely associated with a cortical microtubule network (CMN), which may play a role in the localization of transcripts during oogenesis. Transcripts of the gene T.c.pangolin co-localize with the CMN at the time of their anterior localization during oogenesis and their anterior localization is disrupted by the microtubule-depolymerizing agent colcemid.

The role of RanGTP gradient in vertebrate oocyte maturation

The maturation of vertebrate oocyte into haploid gamete, the egg, consists of two specialized asymmetric cell divisions with no intervening S-phase. Ran GTPase has an essential role in relaying the active role of chromosomes in their own segregation by the meiotic process. In addition to its conserved role as a key regulator of macromolecular transport between nucleus and cytoplasm, Ran has important functions during cell division, including in mitotic spindle assembly and in the assembly of nuclear envelope at the exit from mitosis. The cellular functions of Ran are mediated by RanGTP interactions with nuclear transport receptors (NTRs) related to importin β and depend on the existence of chromosome-centered RanGTP gradient. Live imaging with FRET biosensors indeed revealed the existence of RanGTP gradient throughout mouse oocyte maturation. NTR-dependent transport of cell cycle regulators including cyclin B1, Wee2, and Cdc25B between the oocyte cytoplasm and germinal vesicle (GV) is required for normal resumption of meiosis. After GVBD in mouse oocytes, RanGTP gradient is required for timely meiosis I (MI) spindle assembly and provides long-range signal directing egg cortex differentiation. However, RanGTP gradient is not required for MI spindle migration and may be dispensable for MI spindle function in chromosome segregation. In contrast, MII spindle assembly and function in maturing mouse and Xenopus laevis eggs depend on RanGTP gradient, similar to X. laevis MII-derived egg extracts.

Actomyosin tube formation in polar body cytokinesis requires Anillin in C. elegans

Polar body extrusion (PBE) is the specialized asymmetric division by which oocytes accomplish reduction in ploidy and retention of cytoplasm. During maternal gametogenesis, as in male meiosis and mitosis, cytokinesis is accomplished by a ring rich in active Rho, myosin, and formin-nucleated F-actin [1-7]. However, unlike mitosis, wherein the contractile ring encircles the cell equator, the polar body ring assembles as a discoid cortical washer. Here we show that in Caenorhabditis elegans, the meiotic contractile ring transforms during closure from a disc above the spindle to a cylinder around the spindle midzone. The meiotic midbody tube comprises stacked cytoskeletal rings. This topological transition suggests a novel mechanism for constriction of an initially discoid cytokinetic ring. Analysis of mouse PBE indicates that midbody tube formation is a conserved process. Depletion of the scaffold protein anillin (ANI-1) from C. elegans results in large and unstable polar bodies that often fuse with the oocyte. Anillin is dispensable for contractile ring assembly, initiation, and closure but is required for the meiotic contractile ring to transform from a disc into a tube. We propose that cytoskeletal bundling by anillin promotes formation of the midbody tube, which ensures the fidelity of PBE.

Molecular imaging of membrane proteins and microfilaments using atomic force microscopy

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is an emerging technique for a variety of uses involving the analysis of cells. AFM is widely applied to obtain information about both cellular structural and subcellular events. In particular, a variety of investigations into membrane proteins and microfilaments were performed with AFM. Here, we introduce applications of AFM to molecular imaging of membrane proteins, and various approaches for observation and identification of intracellular microfilaments at the molecular level. These approaches can contribute to many applications of AFM in cell imaging.