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Redouane S, Charoute H, Harmak H, Malki A, Barakat A, Rouba H. Computational study of the potential impact of AURKC missense SNPs on AURKC-INCENP interaction and their correlation to macrozoospermia. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:9503-9522. [PMID: 36326488 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2142846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Aurora Kinase C (AURKC) is considered an important element in Chromosome Passenger Complex (CPC), its interaction with Inner Centromere Protein (INCENP) plays a critical role in the establishment and the recruitment of a stable CPC during spermatogenesis. Genetic variations of AURKC gene are susceptible to impact AURKC-INCENP interaction, which may affect CPC stability and predispose male subjects to macrozoospermia. In this study, we systematically applied computational approaches using different bioinformatic tools to predict the effect of missense SNPs reported on AURKC gene, we selected the deleterious ones and we introduced their corresponding amino acid substitutions on AURKC protein structure. Then we did a protein-protein docking between AURKC variants and INCENP followed by a structural assessment of each resulting complex using PRODIGY server, Yassara view, Ligplot + and we choose the complexes of the most impactful variants for molecular dynamics (MD) simulation study. Seventeen missense SNPs of AURKC were identified as deleterious between all reported ones. All of them were located on relatively conserved positions on AURKC protein according to Consurf server. Only the four missense SNPs; E91K, D166V, D221Y and G235V were ranked as the most impactful ones and were chosen for MD simulation. D221Y and G235V were responsible for the most remarkable changes on AURKC-INCENP structural stability, therefore, they were selected as the most deleterious ones. Experimental studies are recommended to test the actual effect of these two variants and their actual impact on the morphology of sperm cells.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salaheddine Redouane
- Laboratory of Genomics and Human Genetics, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
- Laboratory of Physiopathology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences Ben M'Sik, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Hicham Charoute
- Research Unit of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Houda Harmak
- Laboratory of Genomics and Human Genetics, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Abderrahim Malki
- Laboratory of Physiopathology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences Ben M'Sik, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Abdelhamid Barakat
- Laboratory of Genomics and Human Genetics, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Hassan Rouba
- Laboratory of Genomics and Human Genetics, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
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2
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Lodde V, Garcia Barros R, Terzaghi L, Franciosi F, Luciano AM. Insights on the Role of PGRMC1 in Mitotic and Meiotic Cell Division. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235755. [PMID: 36497237 PMCID: PMC9736406 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
During mitosis, chromosome missegregation and cytokinesis defects have been recognized as hallmarks of cancer cells. Cytoskeletal elements composing the spindle and the contractile ring and their associated proteins play crucial roles in the faithful progression of mitotic cell division. The hypothesis that PGRMC1, most likely as a part of a yet-to-be-defined complex, is involved in the regulation of spindle function and, more broadly, the cytoskeletal machinery driving cell division is particularly appealing. Nevertheless, more than ten years after the preliminary observation that PGRMC1 changes its localization dynamically during meiotic and mitotic cell division, this field of research has remained a niche and needs to be fully explored. To encourage research in this fascinating field, in this review, we will recap the current knowledge on PGRMC1 function during mitotic and meiotic cell division, critically highlighting the strengths and limitations of the experimental approaches used so far. We will focus on known interacting partners as well as new putative associated proteins that have recently arisen in the literature and that might support current as well as new hypotheses of a role for PGRMC1 in specific spindle subcompartments, such as the centrosome, kinetochores, and the midzone/midbody.
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3
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Aurora B/C-dependent phosphorylation promotes Rec8 cleavage in mammalian oocytes. Curr Biol 2022; 32:2281-2290.e4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.03.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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4
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Vazquez BN, Quartuccio SM, Schindler K. An analog-sensitive allele of Aurora kinase B is lethal in mouse. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2021; 2021:10.17912/micropub.biology.000491. [PMID: 34841221 PMCID: PMC8611416 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.000491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/1970] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian genome encodes three Aurora protein kinase homologs (AURKA/B/C) which regulate chromosome segregation in nearly every cell type. AURKC expression is largely limited to meiotic cells. Because of the similarity in sequences between AURKB and AURKC, determining their separate functions during meiosis is challenging. We designed a chemical genetics approach to investigate AURKB function. Using Crispr/Cas9 genome editing in mouse, we replaced an ATP binding pocket amino acid to permit binding of cell-permeable ATP analogs. We also introduced a second site supressor mutation to tolerate the pocket enlargement. Heterozygous mice were fertile, but never produced homozygous analog-sensitive mice. Because Aurkb is an essential gene, we conclude that this analog-sensitive allele is either catalytically inactive or not fully catalytically active in mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berta N. Vazquez
- Chromatin Biology Laboratory, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Barcelona, Spain,
Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA,
Departament de Biologia Cellular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Suzanne M. Quartuccio
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA,
Department of Biological Sciences, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ, USA
| | - Karen Schindler
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA,
Correspondence to: Karen Schindler ()
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5
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Bejar JF, DiSanza Z, Quartuccio SM. The oncogenic role of meiosis-specific Aurora kinase C in mitotic cells. Exp Cell Res 2021; 407:112803. [PMID: 34461108 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2021.112803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant expression of meiosis-specific genes in cancer has recently emerged as a driver of some cancer formation. Aurora kinase C (AURKC) is a member of the Aurora kinase family of proteins known to regulate chromosome segregation during cell divisions. AURKC is normally expressed in meiotic cells; however, elevated levels of AURKC mRNA and protein are frequently measured in cancer cells. To understand the function of AURKC in cancer cells, expression was induced in noncancerous, human retina pigmented epithelial cells. While AURKC expression did not alter cell proliferation over 72 h, it did increase cell migration and anchorage independent growth in soft agar suggesting an oncogenic role in mitotically dividing cells. To evaluate AURKC as a potential therapeutic target, a frameshift mutation in the gene was introduced in U2OS osteosarcoma cells using CRISPR-Cas9 technology resulting in a premature stop codon. Cancer cells lacking AURKC displayed no change in cell proliferation over 72 h but did migrate less and formed fewer colonies in soft agar. Whole transcriptome sequencing analysis uncovered over 400 differentially expressed genes in U2OS cells with and without AURKC. GO analysis revealed alterations in proteinaceous extracellular matrix genes including COL1A1. These data indicate that therapeutics targeting AURKC could decrease cancer cell metastasis and disease progression. Because AURKC is transcriptionally silenced in normal mitotic cells, its disruption could specifically target cancer cells limiting the toxic side effects associated with current therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin F Bejar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ, USA
| | - Zachary DiSanza
- Department of Biological Sciences, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ, USA
| | - Suzanne M Quartuccio
- Department of Biological Sciences, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ, USA.
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6
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Lester WC, Johnson T, Hale B, Serra N, Elgart B, Wang R, Geyer CB, Sperry AO. Aurora a kinase (AURKA) is required for male germline maintenance and regulates sperm motility in the mouse. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:1603-1616. [PMID: 34518881 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aurora A kinase (AURKA) is an important regulator of cell division and is required for assembly of the mitotic spindle. We recently reported the unusual finding that this mitotic kinase is also found on the sperm flagellum. To determine its requirement in spermatogenesis, we generated conditional knockout animals with deletion of the Aurka gene in either spermatogonia or spermatocytes to assess its role in mitotic and postmitotic cells, respectively. Deletion of Aurka in spermatogonia resulted in disappearance of all developing germ cells in the testis, as expected given its vital role in mitotic cell division. Deletion of Aurka in spermatocytes reduced testis size, sperm count, and fertility, indicating disruption of meiosis or an effect on spermiogenesis in developing mice. Interestingly, deletion of Aurka in spermatocytes increased apoptosis in spermatocytes along with an increase in the percentage of sperm with abnormal morphology. Despite the increase in abnormal sperm, sperm from spermatocyte Aurka knockout mice displayed increased progressive motility. In addition, sperm lysate prepared from Aurka knockout animals had decreased protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) activity. Together, our results show that AURKA plays multiple roles in spermatogenesis, from mitotic divisions of spermatogonia to sperm morphology and motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- William C Lester
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the Brody School of Medicine
| | - Taylor Johnson
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the Brody School of Medicine.,East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville NC, USA 27834
| | - Ben Hale
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the Brody School of Medicine.,East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville NC, USA 27834
| | - Nicholas Serra
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the Brody School of Medicine.,East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville NC, USA 27834
| | - Brian Elgart
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the Brody School of Medicine
| | - Rong Wang
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the Brody School of Medicine
| | - Christopher B Geyer
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the Brody School of Medicine.,East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville NC, USA 27834
| | - Ann O Sperry
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the Brody School of Medicine
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7
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Yin H, Zhang T, Wang H, Hu X, Hou X, Fang X, Yin Y, Li H, Shi L, Su YQ. Echinoderm Microtubule Associated Protein Like 1 Is Indispensable for Oocyte Spindle Assembly and Meiotic Progression in Mice. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:687522. [PMID: 34124073 PMCID: PMC8194061 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.687522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Completion of the first meiosis is an essential prerequisite for producing a functionally normal egg for fertilization and embryogenesis, but the precise mechanisms governing oocyte meiotic progression remains largely unclear. Here, we report that echinoderm microtubule associated protein (EMAP) like 1 (EML1), a member of the conserved EMAP family proteins, plays a crucial role in the control of oocyte meiotic progression in the mouse. Female mice carrying an ENU-induced nonsense mutation (c.1956T > A; p.Tyr652∗) of Eml1 are infertile, and the majority of their ovulated oocytes contain abnormal spindles and misaligned chromosomes. In accordance with the mutant oocyte phenotype, we find that EML1 is colocalized with spindle microtubules during the process of normal oocyte meiotic maturation, and knockdown (KD) of EML1 by specific morpholinos in the fully grown oocytes (FGOs) disrupts the integrity of spindles, and delays meiotic progression. Moreover, EML1-KD oocytes fail to progress to metaphase II (MII) stage after extrusion of the first polar body, but enter into interphase and form a pronucleus containing decondensed chromatins. Further analysis shows that EML1-KD impairs the recruitment of γ-tubulin and pericentrin to the spindle poles, as well as the attachment of kinetochores to microtubules and the proper inactivation of spindle assembly checkpoint at metaphase I (MI). The loss of EML1 also compromises the activation of maturation promoting factor around the time of oocyte resumption and completion of the first meiosis, which, when corrected by WEE1/2 inhibitor PD166285, efficiently rescues the phenotype of oocyte delay of meiotic resumption and inability of reaching MII. Through IP- mass spectrometry analysis, we identified that EML1 interacts with nuclear distribution gene C (NUDC), a critical mitotic regulator in somatic cells, and EML1-KD disrupts the specific localization of NUDC at oocyte spindles. Taken together, these data suggest that EML1 regulates acentrosomal spindle formation and the progression of meiosis to MII in mammalian oocytes, which is likely mediated by distinct mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Teng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuan Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xianbao Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yaoxue Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hui Li
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Lanying Shi
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - You-Qiang Su
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
- Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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8
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Aurora Kinase B Inhibition: A Potential Therapeutic Strategy for Cancer. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26071981. [PMID: 33915740 PMCID: PMC8037052 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26071981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aurora kinase B (AURKB) is a mitotic serine/threonine protein kinase that belongs to the aurora kinase family along with aurora kinase A (AURKA) and aurora kinase C (AURKC). AURKB is a member of the chromosomal passenger protein complex and plays a role in cell cycle progression. Deregulation of AURKB is observed in several tumors and its overexpression is frequently linked to tumor cell invasion, metastasis and drug resistance. AURKB has emerged as an attractive drug target leading to the development of small molecule inhibitors. This review summarizes recent findings pertaining to the role of AURKB in tumor development, therapy related drug resistance, and its inhibition as a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer. We discuss AURKB inhibitors that are in preclinical and clinical development and combination studies of AURKB inhibition with other therapeutic strategies.
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9
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Biswas L, Tyc K, El Yakoubi W, Morgan K, Xing J, Schindler K. Meiosis interrupted: the genetics of female infertility via meiotic failure. Reproduction 2021; 161:R13-R35. [PMID: 33170803 DOI: 10.1530/rep-20-0422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Idiopathic or 'unexplained' infertility represents as many as 30% of infertility cases worldwide. Conception, implantation, and term delivery of developmentally healthy infants require chromosomally normal (euploid) eggs and sperm. The crux of euploid egg production is error-free meiosis. Pathologic genetic variants dysregulate meiotic processes that occur during prophase I, meiotic resumption, chromosome segregation, and in cell cycle regulation. This dysregulation can result in chromosomally abnormal (aneuploid) eggs. In turn, egg aneuploidy leads to a broad range of clinical infertility phenotypes, including primary ovarian insufficiency and early menopause, egg fertilization failure and embryonic developmental arrest, or recurrent pregnancy loss. Therefore, maternal genetic variants are emerging as infertility biomarkers, which could allow informed reproductive decision-making. Here, we select and deeply examine human genetic variants that likely cause dysregulation of critical meiotic processes in 14 female infertility-associated genes: SYCP3, SYCE1, TRIP13, PSMC3IP, DMC1, MCM8, MCM9, STAG3, PATL2, TUBB8, CEP120, AURKB, AURKC, andWEE2. We discuss the function of each gene in meiosis, explore genotype-phenotype relationships, and delineate the frequencies of infertility-associated variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leelabati Biswas
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA.,Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Katarzyna Tyc
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Warif El Yakoubi
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Katie Morgan
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Jinchuan Xing
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA.,Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Karen Schindler
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA.,Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
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10
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Das D, Gupta S, Datta AK. Effectivity of Plant Aqueous Extracts of Curcuma longa and Nigella sativa in Cancer Therapy through Ameliorating Colchicine Induced Polyploid Cells in Allium as Test System. CYTOLOGIA 2020. [DOI: 10.1508/cytologia.85.275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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11
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Establishing correct kinetochore-microtubule attachments in mitosis and meiosis. Essays Biochem 2020; 64:277-287. [PMID: 32406497 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20190072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Faithful chromosome segregation in mitosis and meiosis requires that chromosomes properly attach to spindle microtubules. Initial kinetochore-microtubule attachments are often incorrect and rely on error correction mechanisms to release improper attachments, allowing the formation of new attachments. Aurora B kinase and, in mammalian germ cells, Aurora C kinase function as the enzymatic component of the Chromosomal Passenger Complex (CPC), which localizes to the inner centromere/kinetochore and phosphorylates kinetochore proteins for microtubule release during error correction. In this review, we discuss recent findings of the molecular pathways that regulate the chromosomal localization of Aurora B and C kinases in human cell lines, mice, fission yeast, and budding yeast. We also discuss differences in the importance of localization pathways between mitosis and meiosis.
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12
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Namgoong S, Kim NH. Meiotic spindle formation in mammalian oocytes: implications for human infertility. Biol Reprod 2019; 98:153-161. [PMID: 29342242 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the final stage of oogenesis, mammalian oocytes generate a meiotic spindle and undergo chromosome segregation to yield an egg that is ready for fertilization. Herein, we describe the recent advances in understanding the mechanisms controlling formation of the meiotic spindle in metaphase I (MI) and metaphase II (MII) in mammalian oocytes, and focus on the differences between mouse and human oocytes. Unlike mitotic cells, mammalian oocytes lack typical centrosomes that consist of two centrioles and the surrounding pericentriolar matrix proteins, which serve as microtubule-organizing centers (MTOCs) in most somatic cells. Instead, oocytes rely on different mechanisms for the formation of microtubules in MI spindles. Two different mechanisms have been described for MI spindle formation in mammalian oocytes. Chromosome-mediated microtubule formation, including RAN-mediated spindle formation and chromosomal passenger complex-mediated spindle elongation, controls the growth of microtubules from chromatin, while acentriolar MTOC-mediated microtubule formation contributes to spindle formation. Mouse oocytes utilize both chromatin- and MTOC-mediated pathways for microtubule formation. The existence of both pathways may provide a fail-safe mechanism to ensure high fidelity of chromosome segregation during meiosis. Unlike mouse oocytes, human oocytes considered unsuitable for clinical in vitro fertilization procedures, lack MTOCs; this may explain why meiosis in human oocytes is often error-prone. Understanding the mechanisms of MI/MII spindle formation, spindle assembly checkpoint, and chromosome segregation, in mammalian oocytes, will provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of human infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nam-Hyung Kim
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheong-Ju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
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13
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Abstract
Oocytes of many species lack centrioles and therefore form acentriolar spindles. Despite the necessity of oocyte meiosis for successful reproduction, how these spindles mediate accurate chromosome segregation is poorly understood. We have gained insight into this process through studies of the kinesin-4 family member Kif4 in mouse oocytes. We found that Kif4 localizes to chromosomes through metaphase and then largely redistributes to the spindle midzone during anaphase, transitioning from stretches along microtubules to distinct ring-like structures; these structures then appear to fuse together by telophase. Kif4’s binding partner PRC1 and MgcRacGAP, a component of the centralspindlin complex, have a similar localization pattern, demonstrating dynamic spindle midzone organization in oocytes. Kif4 knockdown results in defective midzone formation and longer spindles, revealing new anaphase roles for Kif4 in mouse oocytes. Moreover, inhibition of Aurora B/C kinases results in Kif4 mislocalization and causes anaphase defects. Taken together, our work reveals essential roles for Kif4 during the meiotic divisions, furthering our understanding of mechanisms promoting accurate chromosome segregation in acentriolar oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carissa M Heath
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208
| | - Sarah M Wignall
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208
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14
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Pacchierotti F, Masumura K, Eastmond DA, Elhajouji A, Froetschl R, Kirsch-Volders M, Lynch A, Schuler M, Tweats D, Marchetti F. Chemically induced aneuploidy in germ cells. Part II of the report of the 2017 IWGT workgroup on assessing the risk of aneugens for carcinogenesis and hereditary diseases. MUTATION RESEARCH-GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2019; 848:403023. [PMID: 31708072 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2019.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
As part of the 7th International Workshops on Genotoxicity Testing held in Tokyo, Japan in November 2017, a workgroup of experts reviewed and assessed the risk of aneugens for human health. The present manuscript is one of three manuscripts from the workgroup and reports on the unanimous consensus reached on the evidence for aneugens affecting germ cells, their mechanisms of action and role in hereditary diseases. There are 24 chemicals with strong or sufficient evidence for germ cell aneugenicity providing robust support for the ability of chemicals to induce germ cell aneuploidy. Interference with microtubule dynamics or inhibition of topoisomerase II function are clear characteristics of germ cell aneugens. Although there are mechanisms of chromosome segregation that are unique to germ cells, there is currently no evidence for germ cell-specific aneugens. However, the available data are heavily skewed toward chemicals that are aneugenic in somatic cells. Development of high-throughput screening assays in suitable animal models for exploring additional targets for aneuploidy induction, such as meiosis-specific proteins, and to prioritize chemicals for the potential to be germ cell aneugens is encouraged. Evidence in animal models support that: oocytes are more sensitive than spermatocytes and somatic cells to aneugens; exposure to aneugens leads to aneuploid conceptuses; and, the frequencies of aneuploidy are similar in germ cells and zygotes. Although aneuploidy in germ cells is a significant cause of infertility and pregnancy loss in humans, there is currently limited evidence that aneugens induce hereditary diseases in human populations because the great majority of aneuploid conceptuses die in utero. Overall, the present work underscores the importance of protecting the human population from exposure to chemicals that can induce aneuploidy in germ cells that, in contrast to carcinogenicity, is directly linked to an adverse outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Pacchierotti
- Health Protection Technology Division, Laboratory of Biosafety and Risk Assessment, ENEA, CR Casaccia, Rome, Italy
| | - Kenichi Masumura
- Division of Genetics and Mutagenesis, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - David A Eastmond
- Department of Molecular, Cell and System Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Azeddine Elhajouji
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Preclinical Safety, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Micheline Kirsch-Volders
- Laboratory for Cell Genetics, Faculty of Sciences and Bio-Engineering, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | | | | | - Francesco Marchetti
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada.
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15
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Zhang J, Hirst AJ, Duan F, Qiu H, Huang R, Ji Y, Bai L, Zhang F, Robinson D, Jones M, Li L, Wang P, Jiang P, Andrews PW, Barbaric I, Na J. Anti-apoptotic Mutations Desensitize Human Pluripotent Stem Cells to Mitotic Stress and Enable Aneuploid Cell Survival. Stem Cell Reports 2019; 12:557-571. [PMID: 30773485 PMCID: PMC6411485 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2019.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2018] [Revised: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are susceptible to numerical and structural chromosomal alterations during long-term culture. We show that mitotic errors occur frequently in hPSCs and that prometaphase arrest leads to very rapid apoptosis in undifferentiated but not in differentiated cells. hPSCs express high levels of proapoptotic protein NOXA in undifferentiated state. Knocking out NOXA by CRISPR or upregulation of the anti-apoptosis gene BCL-XL significantly reduced mitotic cell death, allowing the survival of aneuploid cells and the formation of teratomas significantly larger than their wild-type parental hPSCs. These results indicate that the normally low threshold of apoptosis in hPSCs can safeguard their genome integrity by clearing cells undergoing abnormal division. The amplification of BCL2L1 on chromosome 20q11.21, a frequent mutation in hPSCs, although not directly oncogenic, reduces the sensitivity of hPSCs to damage caused by erroneous mitosis and increases the risk of gaining aneuploidy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Adam J Hirst
- Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Science, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Fuyu Duan
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Hui Qiu
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Rujin Huang
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Ying Ji
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Lufeng Bai
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Fengzhi Zhang
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Darren Robinson
- Light Microscopy Facility, Department of Biomedical Science, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Mark Jones
- Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Science, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Le Li
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Peizhe Wang
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Peng Jiang
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Peter W Andrews
- Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Science, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Ivana Barbaric
- Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Science, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK.
| | - Jie Na
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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16
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Nguyen AL, Drutovic D, Vazquez BN, El Yakoubi W, Gentilello AS, Malumbres M, Solc P, Schindler K. Genetic Interactions between the Aurora Kinases Reveal New Requirements for AURKB and AURKC during Oocyte Meiosis. Curr Biol 2018; 28:3458-3468.e5. [PMID: 30415701 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2018.08.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Revised: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Errors in chromosome segregation during female meiosis I occur frequently, and aneuploid embryos account for 1/3 of all miscarriages in humans [1]. Unlike mitotic cells that require two Aurora kinase (AURK) homologs to help prevent aneuploidy (AURKA and AURKB), mammalian germ cells also require a third (AURKC) [2, 3]. AURKA is the spindle-pole-associated homolog, and AURKB/C are the chromosome-localized homologs. In mitosis, AURKB has essential roles as the catalytic subunit of the chromosomal passenger complex (CPC), regulating chromosome alignment, kinetochore-microtubule attachments, cohesion, the spindle assembly checkpoint, and cytokinesis [4, 5]. In mouse oocyte meiosis, AURKC takes over as the predominant CPC kinase [6], although the requirement for AURKB remains elusive [7]. In the absence of AURKC, AURKB compensates, making defining potential non-overlapping functions difficult [6, 8]. To investigate the role(s) of AURKB and AURKC in oocytes, we analyzed oocyte-specific Aurkb and Aurkc single- and double-knockout (KO) mice. Surprisingly, we find that double KO female mice are fertile. We demonstrate that, in the absence of AURKC, AURKA localizes to chromosomes in a CPC-dependent manner. These data suggest that AURKC prevents AURKA from localizing to chromosomes by competing for CPC binding. This competition is important for adequate spindle length to support meiosis I. We also describe a unique requirement for AURKB to negatively regulate AURKC to prevent aneuploidy. Together, our work reveals oocyte-specific roles for the AURKs in regulating each other's localization and activity. This inter-kinase regulation is critical to support wild-type levels of fecundity in female mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra L Nguyen
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, 145 Bevier Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - David Drutovic
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Rumburská 89, Libechov 277 21, Czech Republic
| | - Berta N Vazquez
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, 145 Bevier Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Warif El Yakoubi
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, 145 Bevier Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Amanda S Gentilello
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, 145 Bevier Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Marcos Malumbres
- Cell Division and Cancer Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Calle de Melchor Fernández Almagro, 3, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Petr Solc
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Rumburská 89, Libechov 277 21, Czech Republic
| | - Karen Schindler
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, 145 Bevier Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
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17
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Willems E, Dedobbeleer M, Digregorio M, Lombard A, Lumapat PN, Rogister B. The functional diversity of Aurora kinases: a comprehensive review. Cell Div 2018; 13:7. [PMID: 30250494 PMCID: PMC6146527 DOI: 10.1186/s13008-018-0040-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aurora kinases are serine/threonine kinases essential for the onset and progression of mitosis. Aurora members share a similar protein structure and kinase activity, but exhibit distinct cellular and subcellular localization. AurA favors the G2/M transition by promoting centrosome maturation and mitotic spindle assembly. AurB and AurC are chromosome-passenger complex proteins, crucial for chromosome binding to kinetochores and segregation of chromosomes. Cellular distribution of AurB is ubiquitous, while AurC expression is mainly restricted to meiotically-active germ cells. In human tumors, all Aurora kinase members play oncogenic roles related to their mitotic activity and promote cancer cell survival and proliferation. Furthermore, AurA plays tumor-promoting roles unrelated to mitosis, including tumor stemness, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and invasion. In this review, we aim to understand the functional interplay of Aurora kinases in various types of human cells, including tumor cells. The understanding of the functional diversity of Aurora kinases could help to evaluate their relevance as potential therapeutic targets in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estelle Willems
- 1Laboratory of Nervous System Diseases and Therapy, GIGA-Neuroscience, University of Liège, Avenue Hippocrate, 15, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Matthias Dedobbeleer
- 1Laboratory of Nervous System Diseases and Therapy, GIGA-Neuroscience, University of Liège, Avenue Hippocrate, 15, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Marina Digregorio
- 1Laboratory of Nervous System Diseases and Therapy, GIGA-Neuroscience, University of Liège, Avenue Hippocrate, 15, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Arnaud Lombard
- 1Laboratory of Nervous System Diseases and Therapy, GIGA-Neuroscience, University of Liège, Avenue Hippocrate, 15, 4000 Liège, Belgium.,2Department of Neurosurgery, CHU of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Paul Noel Lumapat
- 1Laboratory of Nervous System Diseases and Therapy, GIGA-Neuroscience, University of Liège, Avenue Hippocrate, 15, 4000 Liège, Belgium.,3Department of Neurology, CHU of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Bernard Rogister
- 1Laboratory of Nervous System Diseases and Therapy, GIGA-Neuroscience, University of Liège, Avenue Hippocrate, 15, 4000 Liège, Belgium.,3Department of Neurology, CHU of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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18
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DeLuca JG. Aurora A Kinase Function at Kinetochores. COLD SPRING HARBOR SYMPOSIA ON QUANTITATIVE BIOLOGY 2018; 82:91-99. [PMID: 29700233 DOI: 10.1101/sqb.2017.82.034991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
One of the most important regulatory aspects of chromosome segregation is the ability of kinetochores to precisely control their attachment strength to spindle microtubules. Central to this regulation is Aurora B, a mitotic kinase that phosphorylates kinetochore substrates to promote microtubule turnover. A critical target of Aurora B is the kinetochore protein Ndc80/Hec1, which is a component of the NDC80 complex, the primary force-transducing link between kinetochores and microtubules. Although Aurora B is regarded as the "master regulator" of kinetochore-microtubule attachment, it is becoming clear that this kinase is not solely responsible for phosphorylating Hec1 and other kinetochore substrates to facilitate microtubule turnover. In particular, there is growing evidence that Aurora A kinase, whose activities at spindle poles have been extensively described, has additional roles at kinetochores in regulating the kinetochore-microtubule interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer G DeLuca
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523-1870
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19
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Balboula AZ, Blengini CS, Gentilello AS, Takahashi M, Schindler K. Maternal RNA regulates Aurora C kinase during mouse oocyte maturation in a translation-independent fashion. Biol Reprod 2018; 96:1197-1209. [PMID: 28575288 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
During oocyte meiotic maturation, Aurora kinase C (AURKC) is required to accomplish many critical functions including destabilizing erroneous kinetochore-microtubule (K-MT)attachments and regulating bipolar spindle assembly. How localized activity of AURKC is regulated in mammalian oocytes, however, is not fully understood. Female gametes from many species, including mouse, contain stores of maternal transcripts that are required for downstream developmental events. We show here that depletion of maternal RNA in mouse oocytes resulted in impaired meiotic progression, increased incidence of chromosome misalignment and abnormal spindle formation at metaphase I (Met I), and cytokinesis defects. Importantly, depletion of maternal RNA perturbed the localization and activity of AURKC within the chromosomal passenger complex (CPC). These perturbations were not observed when translation was inhibited by cycloheximide (CHX) treatment. These results demonstrate a translation-independent function of maternal RNA to regulate AURKC-CPC function in mouse oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Z Balboula
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA.,Department of Animal Science, Graduate school of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.,Theriogenology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Cecilia S Blengini
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Amanda S Gentilello
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Masashi Takahashi
- Department of Animal Science, Graduate school of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Karen Schindler
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
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20
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Nakagawa S, FitzHarris G. Quantitative Microinjection of Morpholino Antisense Oligonucleotides into Mouse Oocytes to Examine Gene Function in Meiosis-I. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1457:217-30. [PMID: 27557584 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-3795-0_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Specific protein depletion is a powerful approach for assessing individual gene function in cellular processes, and has been extensively employed in recent years in mammalian oocyte meiosis-I. Conditional knockout mice and RNA interference (RNAi) methods such as siRNA or dsRNA microinjection are among several approaches to have been applied in this system over the past decade. RNAi by microinjection of Morpholino antisense Oligonucleotides (MO), in particular, has proven highly popular and tractable in many studies, since MOs have high specificity of interaction, low cell toxicity, and are more stable than other microinjected RNAi molecules. Here, we describe a method of MO microinjection into the mouse germinal vesicle-stage (GV) oocyte followed by a simple immunofluorescence approach for examination of gene function in meiosis-I.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoma Nakagawa
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, 900 Rue St. Denis, Montreal, QC, Canada, H2X 0A9
| | - Greg FitzHarris
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, 900 Rue St. Denis, Montreal, QC, Canada, H2X 0A9. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université de Montréal, 3175, Ch. Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC, Canada, H3T 1C5.
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21
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Bury L, Coelho PA, Simeone A, Ferries S, Eyers CE, Eyers PA, Zernicka-Goetz M, Glover DM. Plk4 and Aurora A cooperate in the initiation of acentriolar spindle assembly in mammalian oocytes. J Cell Biol 2017; 216:3571-3590. [PMID: 28972102 PMCID: PMC5674873 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201606077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Revised: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Establishing the bipolar spindle in mammalian oocytes after their prolonged arrest is crucial for meiotic fidelity and subsequent development. In contrast to somatic cells, the first meiotic spindle assembles in the absence of centriole-containing centrosomes. Ran-GTP can promote microtubule nucleation near chromatin, but additional unidentified factors are postulated for the activity of multiple acentriolar microtubule organizing centers in the oocyte. We now demonstrate that partially overlapping, nonredundant functions of Aurora A and Plk4 kinases contribute to initiate acentriolar meiosis I spindle formation. Loss of microtubule nucleation after simultaneous chemical inhibition of both kinases can be significantly rescued by drug-resistant Aurora A alone. Drug-resistant Plk4 can enhance Aurora A-mediated rescue, and, accordingly, Plk4 can phosphorylate and potentiate the activity of Aurora A in vitro. Both kinases function distinctly from Ran, which amplifies microtubule growth. We conclude that Aurora A and Plk4 are rate-limiting factors contributing to microtubule growth as the acentriolar oocyte resumes meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah Bury
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England, UK
| | - Paula A Coelho
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England, UK
| | - Angela Simeone
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England, UK
| | - Samantha Ferries
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, England, UK
| | - Claire E Eyers
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England, UK
| | - Patrick A Eyers
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, England, UK
| | - Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England, UK
| | - David M Glover
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England, UK
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22
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Camlin NJ, McLaughlin EA, Holt JE. Motoring through: the role of kinesin superfamily proteins in female meiosis. Hum Reprod Update 2017; 23:409-420. [PMID: 28431155 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmx010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The kinesin motor protein family consists of 14 distinct subclasses and 45 kinesin proteins in humans. A large number of these proteins, or their orthologues, have been shown to possess essential function(s) in both the mitotic and the meiotic cell cycle. Kinesins have important roles in chromosome separation, microtubule dynamics, spindle formation, cytokinesis and cell cycle progression. This article contains a review of the literature with respect to the role of kinesin motor proteins in female meiosis in model species. Throughout, we discuss the function of each class of kinesin proteins during oocyte meiosis, and where such data are not available their role in mitosis is considered. Finally, the review highlights the potential clinical importance of this family of proteins for human oocyte quality. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE To examine the role of kinesin motor proteins in oocyte meiosis. SEARCH METHODS A search was performed on the Pubmed database for journal articles published between January 1970 and February 2017. Search terms included 'oocyte kinesin' and 'meiosis kinesin' in addition to individual kinesin names with the terms oocyte or meiosis. OUTCOMES Within human cells 45 kinesin motor proteins have been discovered, with the role of only 13 of these proteins, or their orthologues, investigated in female meiosis. Furthermore, of these kinesins only half have been examined in mammalian oocytes, despite alterations occurring in gene transcripts or protein expression with maternal ageing, cryopreservation or behavioral conditions, such as binge drinking, for many of them. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Kinesin motor proteins have distinct and important roles throughout oocyte meiosis in many non-mammalian model species. However, the functions these proteins have in mammalian meiosis, particularly in humans, are less clear owing to lack of research. This review brings to light the need for more experimental investigation of kinesin motor proteins, particularly those associated with maternal ageing, cryopreservation or exposure to environmental toxicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole J Camlin
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Eileen A McLaughlin
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Janet E Holt
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
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23
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Lane SIR, Morgan SL, Wu T, Collins JK, Merriman JA, ElInati E, Turner JM, Jones KT. DNA damage induces a kinetochore-based ATM/ATR-independent SAC arrest unique to the first meiotic division in mouse oocytes. Development 2017; 144:3475-3486. [PMID: 28851706 PMCID: PMC5665484 DOI: 10.1242/dev.153965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Mouse oocytes carrying DNA damage arrest in meiosis I, thereby preventing creation of embryos with deleterious mutations. The arrest is dependent on activation of the spindle assembly checkpoint, which results in anaphase-promoting complex (APC) inhibition. However, little is understood about how this checkpoint is engaged following DNA damage. Here, we find that within minutes of DNA damage checkpoint proteins are assembled at the kinetochore, not at damage sites along chromosome arms, such that the APC is fully inhibited within 30 min. Despite this robust response, there is no measurable loss in k-fibres, or tension across the bivalent. Through pharmacological inhibition we observed that the response is dependent on Mps1 kinase, aurora kinase and Haspin. Using oocyte-specific knockouts we find the response does not require the DNA damage response kinases ATM or ATR. Furthermore, checkpoint activation does not occur in response to DNA damage in fully mature eggs during meiosis II, despite the divisions being separated by just a few hours. Therefore, mouse oocytes have a unique ability to sense DNA damage rapidly by activating the checkpoint at their kinetochores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon I R Lane
- Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Stephanie L Morgan
- Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Tianyu Wu
- Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Josie K Collins
- Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Julie A Merriman
- Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Elias ElInati
- Sex Chromosome Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - James M Turner
- Sex Chromosome Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Keith T Jones
- Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
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24
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Quartuccio SM, Dipali SS, Schindler K. Haspin inhibition reveals functional differences of interchromatid axis-localized AURKB and AURKC. Mol Biol Cell 2017; 28:2233-2240. [PMID: 28659416 PMCID: PMC5555651 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e16-12-0850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Revised: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Use of mouse oocytes that only express Aurora kinase B as the catalytic subunit of the chromosomal passenger complex (CPC) provides evidence indicating differential capacities of AURKB– and AURKC–CPC complexes at a distinct localization. Aneuploidy is the leading genetic abnormality contributing to infertility, and chromosome segregation errors are common during female mammalian meiosis I (MI). Previous results indicate that haspin kinase regulates resumption of meiosis from prophase arrest, chromosome condensation, and kinetochore–microtubule attachments during early prometaphase of MI. Here we report that haspin inhibition in late prometaphase I causes acceleration of MI, bypass of the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC), and loss of interchromatid axis–localized Aurora kinase C. Meiotic cells contain a second chromosomal passenger complex (CPC) population, with Aurora kinase B (AURKB) bound to INCENP. Haspin inhibition in oocytes from Aurkc−/− mice, where AURKB is the sole CPC kinase, does not alter MI completion timing, and no change in localization of the SAC protein, MAD2, is observed. These data suggest that AURKB on the interchromatid axis is not needed for SAC activation and illustrate a key difference between the functional capacities of the two AURK homologues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne M Quartuccio
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854
| | - Shweta S Dipali
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854
| | - Karen Schindler
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854
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25
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Li W, Wang P, Zhang B, Zhang J, Ming J, Xie W, Na J. Differential regulation of H3S10 phosphorylation, mitosis progression and cell fate by Aurora Kinase B and C in mouse preimplantation embryos. Protein Cell 2017; 8:662-674. [PMID: 28434146 PMCID: PMC5563281 DOI: 10.1007/s13238-017-0407-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Coordination of cell division and cell fate is crucial for the successful development of mammalian early embryos. Aurora kinases are evolutionarily conserved serine/threonine kinases and key regulators of mitosis. Aurora kinase B (AurkB) is ubiquitously expressed while Aurora kinase C (AurkC) is specifically expressed in gametes and preimplantation embryos. We found that increasing AurkC level in one blastomere of the 2-cell embryo accelerated cell division and decreasing AurkC level slowed down mitosis. Changing AurkB level had the opposite effect. The kinase domains of AurkB and AurkC were responsible for their different ability to phosphorylate Histone H3 Serine 10 (H3S10P) and regulate metaphase timing. Using an Oct4-photoactivatable GFP fusion protein (Oct4-paGFP) and fluorescence decay after photoactivation assay, we found that AurkB overexpression reduced Oct4 retention in the nucleus. Finally, we show that blastomeres with higher AurkC level elevated pluripotency gene expression, which were inclined to enter the inner cell mass lineage and subsequently contributed to the embryo proper. Collectively, our results are the first demonstration that the activity of mitotic kinases can influence cell fate decisions in mammalian preimplantation embryos and have important implications to assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhi Li
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Peizhe Wang
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Bingjie Zhang
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, THU-PKU Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Jia Ming
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Wei Xie
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, THU-PKU Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Jie Na
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
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26
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Nguyen AL, Marin D, Zhou A, Gentilello AS, Smoak EM, Cao Z, Fedick A, Wang Y, Taylor D, Scott RT, Xing J, Treff N, Schindler K. Identification and characterization of Aurora kinase B and C variants associated with maternal aneuploidy. Mol Hum Reprod 2017; 23:406-416. [PMID: 28369513 PMCID: PMC9915067 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gax018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in Aurora kinases B and C (AURKB, AURKC) associated with risk of aneuploid conception? SUMMARY ANSWER Two SNVs were found in patients with extreme aneuploid concepti rates with respect to their age; one variant, AURKC p.I79V, is benign, while another, AURKB p.L39P, is a potential gain-of-function mutant with increased efficiency in promoting chromosome alignment. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Maternal age does not always predict aneuploidy risk, and rare gene variants can be drivers of disease. The AURKB and AURKC regulate chromosome segregation, and are associated with reproductive impairments in mouse and human. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION An extreme phenotype sample selection scheme was performed for variant discovery. Ninety-six DNA samples were from young patients with higher than average embryonic aneuploidy rates and an additional 96 DNA samples were from older patients with lower than average aneuploidy rates. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Using the192 DNA samples, the coding regions of AURKB and AURKC were sequenced using next generation sequencing. To assess biological significance, we expressed complementary RNA encoding the human variants in mouse oocytes. Assays such as determining subcellular localization and assessing catalytic activity were performed to determine alterations in protein function during meiosis. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Ten SNVs were identified using three independent variant-calling methods. Two of the SNVs (AURKB p.L39P and AURKC p.I79V) were non-synonymous and identified by at least two variant-identification methods. The variant encoding AURKC p.I79V, identified in a young woman with a higher than average rate of aneuploid embryos, showed wild-type localization pattern and catalytic activity. On the other hand, the variant encoding AURKB p.L39P, identified in an older woman with lower than average rates of aneuploid embryos, increased the protein's ability to regulate alignment of chromosomes at the metaphase plate. These experiments were repeated three independent times using 2-3 mice for each trial. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Biological significance of the human variants was assessed in an in vitro mouse oocyte model where the variants are over-expressed. Therefore, the human protein may not function identically to the mouse homolog, or the same in mouse oocytes as in human oocytes. Furthermore, supraphysiological expression levels may not accurately reflect endogenous activity. Moreover, the evaluated variants were identified in one patient each, and no trial linking the SNV to pregnancy outcomes was conducted. Finally, the patient aneuploidy rates were established by performing comprehensive chromosome screening in blastocysts, and because of the link between female gamete aneuploidy giving rise to aneuploid embryos, we evaluate the role of the variants in Meiosis I. However, it is possible that the chromosome segregation mistake arose during Meiosis II or in mitosis in the preimplantation embryo. Their implications in human female meiosis and aneuploidy risk remain to be determined. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The data provide evidence that gene variants exist in reproductively younger or advanced aged women that are predictive of the risk of producing aneuploid concepti in humans. Furthermore, a single amino acid in the N-terminus of AURKB is a gain-of-function mutant that could be protective of euploidy. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This work was supported by a Research Grant from the American Society of Reproductive Medicine and support from the Charles and Johanna Busch Memorial Fund at Rutgers, the State University of NJ to K.S. and the Foundation for Embryonic Competence, Inc to N.T. The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anbo Zhou
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 145 Bevier Rd. Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Amanda S. Gentilello
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 145 Bevier Rd. Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Evan M. Smoak
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 145 Bevier Rd. Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Zubing Cao
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 145 Bevier Rd. Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Anastasia Fedick
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 145 Bevier Rd. Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA,Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey, 140 Allen Rd, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920, USA
| | - Yujue Wang
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 145 Bevier Rd. Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA,Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey, 140 Allen Rd, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920, USA
| | - Deanne Taylor
- Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey, 140 Allen Rd, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920, USA,
Present address: Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3501 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Richard T. Scott
- Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey, 140 Allen Rd, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920, USA
| | - Jinchuan Xing
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 145 Bevier Rd. Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Nathan Treff
- Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey, 140 Allen Rd, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920, USA
| | - Karen Schindler
- Correspondence address. Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, NJ, USA. E-mail:
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Nguyen AL, Schindler K. Specialize and Divide (Twice): Functions of Three Aurora Kinase Homologs in Mammalian Oocyte Meiotic Maturation. Trends Genet 2017; 33:349-363. [PMID: 28359584 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2017.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Revised: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The aurora kinases (AURKs) comprise an evolutionarily conserved family of serine/threonine kinases involved in mitosis and meiosis. While most mitotic cells express two AURK isoforms (AURKA and AURKB), mammalian germ cells also express a third, AURKC. Although much is known about the functions of the kinases in mitosis, less is known about how the three isoforms function to coordinate meiosis. This review is aimed at describing what is known about the three isoforms in female meiosis, the similarities and differences between kinase functions, and speculates as to why mammalian germ cells require expression of three AURKs instead of two.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra L Nguyen
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, 145 Bevier Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Karen Schindler
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, 145 Bevier Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
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28
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Ray PF, Toure A, Metzler-Guillemain C, Mitchell MJ, Arnoult C, Coutton C. Genetic abnormalities leading to qualitative defects of sperm morphology or function. Clin Genet 2016; 91:217-232. [PMID: 27779748 DOI: 10.1111/cge.12905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Revised: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Infertility, defined by the inability of conceiving a child after 1 year is estimated to concern approximately 50 million couples worldwide. As the male gamete is readily accessible and can be studied by a simple spermogram it is easier to subcategorize male than female infertility. Subjects with a specific sperm phenotype are more likely to have a common origin thus facilitating the search for causal factors. Male infertility is believed to be often multifactorial and caused by both genetic and extrinsic factors, but severe cases of male infertility are likely to have a predominant genetic etiology. Patients presenting with a monomorphic teratozoospermia such as globozoospermia or macrospermia with more than 85% of the spermatozoa presenting this specific abnormality have been analyzed permitting to identify several key genes for spermatogenesis such as AURKC and DPY19L2. The study of patients with other specific sperm anomalies such as severe alteration of sperm motility, in particular multiple morphological anomalies of the sperm flagella (MMAF) or sperm unability to fertilize the oocyte (oocyte activation failure syndrome) has also enable the identification of new infertility genes. Here we review the recent works describing the identification and characterization of gene defects having a direct qualitative effect on sperm morphology or function.
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Affiliation(s)
- P F Ray
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.,Institut for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Grenoble, France.,UF de Biochimie et Génétique Moléculaire, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - A Toure
- Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, Paris, France.,CNRS, UMR8104, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | | | | | - C Arnoult
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.,Institut for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Grenoble, France
| | - C Coutton
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.,Institut for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Grenoble, France.,UF de Génétique Chromosomique, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
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29
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Radford SJ, Nguyen AL, Schindler K, McKim KS. The chromosomal basis of meiotic acentrosomal spindle assembly and function in oocytes. Chromosoma 2016; 126:351-364. [PMID: 27837282 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-016-0618-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Revised: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Several aspects of meiosis are impacted by the absence of centrosomes in oocytes. Here, we review four aspects of meiosis I that are significantly affected by the absence of centrosomes in oocyte spindles. One, microtubules tend to assemble around the chromosomes. Two, the organization of these microtubules into a bipolar spindle is directed by the chromosomes. Three, chromosome bi-orientation and attachment to microtubules from the correct pole require modification of the mechanisms used in mitotic cells. Four, chromosome movement to the poles at anaphase cannot rely on polar anchoring of spindle microtubules by centrosomes. Overall, the chromosomes are more active participants during acentrosomal spindle assembly in oocytes, compared to mitotic and male meiotic divisions where centrosomes are present. The chromosomes are endowed with information that can direct the meiotic divisions and dictate their own behavior in oocytes. Processes beyond those known from mitosis appear to be required for their bi-orientation at meiosis I. As mitosis occurs without centrosomes in many systems other than oocytes, including all plants, the concepts discussed here may not be limited to oocytes. The study of meiosis in oocytes has revealed mechanisms that are operating in mitosis and will probably continue to do so.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Radford
- Waksman Institute, 190 Frelinghuysen Rd, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | | | - Karen Schindler
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Kim S McKim
- Waksman Institute, 190 Frelinghuysen Rd, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
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30
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Allelic reprogramming of the histone modification H3K4me3 in early mammalian development. Nature 2016; 537:553-557. [DOI: 10.1038/nature19361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 396] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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31
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Balboula AZ, Nguyen AL, Gentilello AS, Quartuccio SM, Drutovic D, Solc P, Schindler K. Haspin kinase regulates microtubule-organizing center clustering and stability through Aurora kinase C in mouse oocytes. J Cell Sci 2016; 129:3648-3660. [PMID: 27562071 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.189340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Meiotic oocytes lack classic centrosomes and, therefore, bipolar spindle assembly depends on clustering of acentriolar microtubule-organizing centers (MTOCs) into two poles. However, the molecular mechanism regulating MTOC assembly into two poles is not fully understood. The kinase haspin (also known as GSG2) is required to regulate Aurora kinase C (AURKC) localization at chromosomes during meiosis I. Here, we show that inhibition of haspin perturbed MTOC clustering into two poles and the stability of the clustered MTOCs. Furthermore, we show that AURKC localizes to MTOCs in mouse oocytes. Inhibition of haspin perturbed the localization of AURKC at MTOCs, and overexpression of AURKC rescued the MTOC-clustering defects in haspin-inhibited oocytes. Taken together, our data uncover a role for haspin as a regulator of bipolar spindle assembly by regulating AURKC function at acentriolar MTOCs in oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Z Balboula
- Department of Genetics, 145 Bevier Road, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854-8082, USA Theriogenology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, 60 Elgomhoria Street, 35516 Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Alexandra L Nguyen
- Department of Genetics, 145 Bevier Road, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854-8082, USA
| | - Amanda S Gentilello
- Department of Genetics, 145 Bevier Road, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854-8082, USA
| | - Suzanne M Quartuccio
- Department of Genetics, 145 Bevier Road, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854-8082, USA
| | - David Drutovic
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Rumburská 89, 277 21, Liběchov, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Solc
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Rumburská 89, 277 21, Liběchov, Czech Republic
| | - Karen Schindler
- Department of Genetics, 145 Bevier Road, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854-8082, USA
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32
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Bury L, Coelho PA, Glover DM. From Meiosis to Mitosis: The Astonishing Flexibility of Cell Division Mechanisms in Early Mammalian Development. Curr Top Dev Biol 2016; 120:125-71. [PMID: 27475851 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2016.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The execution of female meiosis and the establishment of the zygote is arguably the most critical stage of mammalian development. The egg can be arrested in the prophase of meiosis I for decades, and when it is activated, the spindle is assembled de novo. This spindle must function with the highest of fidelity and yet its assembly is unusually achieved in the absence of conventional centrosomes and with minimal influence of chromatin. Moreover, its dramatic asymmetric positioning is achieved through remarkable properties of the actin cytoskeleton to ensure elimination of the polar bodies. The second meiotic arrest marks a uniquely prolonged metaphase eventually interrupted by egg activation at fertilization to complete meiosis and mark a period of preparation of the male and female pronuclear genomes not only for their entry into the mitotic cleavage divisions but also for the imminent prospect of their zygotic expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Bury
- University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
| | - P A Coelho
- University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - D M Glover
- University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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33
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Mesic A, Rogar M, Hudler P, Juvan R, Komel R. Association of the AURKA and AURKC gene polymorphisms with an increased risk of gastric cancer. IUBMB Life 2016; 68:634-44. [PMID: 27270838 DOI: 10.1002/iub.1521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in mitotic checkpoint genes can contribute to susceptibility of human cancer, including gastric cancer (GC). We aimed to investigate the effects of Aurora kinase A (AURKA), Aurora kinase B (AURKB), and Aurora kinase C (AURKC) gene polymorphisms on GC risk in Slovenian population. We genotyped four SNPs in AURKA (rs2273535 and rs1047972), AURKB (rs2241909), and AURKC (rs758099) in a total of 128 GC patients and 372 healthy controls using TaqMan allelic discrimination assays to evaluate their effects on GC risk. Our results showed that genotype frequencies between cases and controls were significantly different for rs1047972 and rs758099 (P < 0.05). Our study demonstrated that AURKA rs1047972 TT and (CC + CT) genotypes were significantly associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer. Our results additionally revealed that AURKC rs758099 TT and (CC + CT) genotypes were also associated with increased GC risk. In stratified analysis, genotypes TT and (CC + CT) of AURKA rs1047972 SNP were associated with increased risk of both, intestinal and diffuse, types of GC. In addition, AURKC rs758099 TT and (CC + CT) genotypes were positively associated with increased intestinal type GC risk, but not with an increased diffuse type GC risk. Based on these results, we can conclude that AURKA rs1047972 and AURKC rs758099 polymorphisms could affect the risk of GC development. Further larger studies are needed to confirm these findings. © 2016 IUBMB Life, 68(8):634-644, 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aner Mesic
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Marija Rogar
- Medical Centre for Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Petra Hudler
- Medical Centre for Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Robert Juvan
- Clinical Department for Abdominal Surgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Radovan Komel
- Medical Centre for Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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34
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Terzaghi L, Tessaro I, Raucci F, Merico V, Mazzini G, Garagna S, Zuccotti M, Franciosi F, Lodde V. PGRMC1 participates in late events of bovine granulosa cells mitosis and oocyte meiosis. Cell Cycle 2016; 15:2019-32. [PMID: 27260975 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2016.1192731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Progesterone Receptor Membrane Component 1 (PGRMC1) is expressed in both oocyte and ovarian somatic cells, where it is found in multiple cellular sub-compartments including the mitotic spindle apparatus. PGRMC1 localization in the maturing bovine oocytes mirrors its localization in mitotic cells, suggesting a possible common action in mitosis and meiosis. To test the hypothesis that altering PGRMC1 activity leads to similar defects in mitosis and meiosis, PGRMC1 function was perturbed in cultured bovine granulosa cells (bGC) and maturing oocytes and the effect on mitotic and meiotic progression assessed. RNA interference-mediated PGRMC1 silencing in bGC significantly reduced cell proliferation, with a concomitant increase in the percentage of cells arrested at G2/M phase, which is consistent with an arrested or prolonged M-phase. This observation was confirmed by time-lapse imaging that revealed defects in late karyokinesis. In agreement with a role during late mitotic events, a direct interaction between PGRMC1 and Aurora Kinase B (AURKB) was observed in the central spindle at of dividing cells. Similarly, treatment with the PGRMC1 inhibitor AG205 or PGRMC1 silencing in the oocyte impaired completion of meiosis I. Specifically the ability of the oocyte to extrude the first polar body was significantly impaired while meiotic figures aberration and chromatin scattering within the ooplasm increased. Finally, analysis of PGRMC1 and AURKB localization in AG205-treated oocytes confirmed an altered localization of both proteins when meiotic errors occur. The present findings demonstrate that PGRMC1 participates in late events of both mammalian mitosis and oocyte meiosis, consistent with PGRMC1's localization at the mid-zone and mid-body of the mitotic and meiotic spindle.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Terzaghi
- a Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health , Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan , Milan , Italy
| | - I Tessaro
- a Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health , Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan , Milan , Italy
| | - F Raucci
- a Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health , Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan , Milan , Italy
| | - V Merico
- b Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie "Lazzaro Spallanzani," University of Pavia , Pavia , Italy
| | - G Mazzini
- c Istituto di Genetica Molecolare - Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche , Pavia , Italy
| | - S Garagna
- b Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie "Lazzaro Spallanzani," University of Pavia , Pavia , Italy
| | - M Zuccotti
- d Sezione di Anatomia, Istologia ed Embriologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche , Biotecnologiche e Traslazionali (S.Bi.Bi.T.), University of Parma , Italy
| | - F Franciosi
- a Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health , Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan , Milan , Italy
| | - V Lodde
- a Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health , Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan , Milan , Italy
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35
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Fellmeth JE, Ghanaim EM, Schindler K. Characterization of macrozoospermia-associated AURKC mutations in a mammalian meiotic system. Hum Mol Genet 2016; 25:2698-2711. [PMID: 27106102 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddw128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Revised: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aneuploidy is the leading genetic abnormality that leads to miscarriage, and it is caused by a failure of accurate chromosome segregation during gametogenesis or early embryonic divisions. Aurora kinase C (AURKC) is essential for formation of euploid sperm in humans because mutations in AURKC are correlated with macrozoospermia and these sperm are tetraploid. These mutations are currently the most frequent mutations that cause macrozoospermia and result from an inability to complete meiosis I (MI). Three of these mutations AURKC c.144delC (AURKC p.L49Wfs22), AURKC c.686G > A (AURKC p.C229Y) and AURKC c.744C > G (AURKC p.Y248*) occur in the coding region of the gene and are the focus of this study. By expressing these alleles in oocytes isolated from Aurkc-/- mice, we show that the mutations have different effects on AURKC function during MI. AURKC p.L49Wfs22 is a loss-of-function mutant that perturbs localization of the chromosomal passenger complex (CPC), AURKC p.C229Y is a hypomorph that cannot fully support cell-cycle progression, and AURKC p.Y248* fails to localize and function with the CPC to support chromosome segregation yet retains catalytic activity in the cytoplasm. Finally, we show that these variants of AURKC cause meiotic failure and polyploidy due to a failure in AURKC-CPC function that results in metaphase chromosome misalignment. This study is the first to assess the function of mutant alleles of AURKC that affect human fertility in a mammalian meiotic system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elena M Ghanaim
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Karen Schindler
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
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Hasanpourghadi M, Karthikeyan C, Pandurangan AK, Looi CY, Trivedi P, Kobayashi K, Tanaka K, Wong WF, Mustafa MR. Targeting of tubulin polymerization and induction of mitotic blockage by Methyl 2-(5-fluoro-2-hydroxyphenyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-5-carboxylate (MBIC) in human cervical cancer HeLa cell. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2016; 35:58. [PMID: 27030360 PMCID: PMC4815073 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-016-0332-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background Microtubule Targeting Agents (MTAs) including paclitaxel, colchicine and vinca alkaloids are widely used in the treatment of various cancers. As with most chemotherapeutic agents, adverse effects and drug resistance are commonly associated with the clinical use of these agents. Methyl 2-(5-fluoro-2-hydroxyphenyl)-1H- benzo[d]imidazole-5-carboxylate (MBIC), a benzimidazole derivative displays greater toxicity against various cancer compared to normal human cell lines. The present study, focused on the cytotoxic effects of MBIC against HeLa cervical cancer cells and possible actions on the microtubule assembly. Methods Apoptosis detection and cell-cycle assays were performed to determine the type of cell death and the phase of cell cycle arrest in HeLa cells. Tubulin polymerization assay and live-cell imaging were performed to visualize effects on the microtubule assembly in the presence of MBIC. Mitotic kinases and mitochondrial-dependent apoptotic proteins were evaluated by Western blot analysis. In addition, the synergistic effect of MBIC with low doses of selected chemotherapeutic actions were examined against the cancer cells. Results Results from the present study showed that following treatment with MBIC, the HeLa cells went into mitotic arrest comprising of multi-nucleation and unsegregated chromosomes with a prolonged G2-M phase. In addition, the HeLa cells showed signs of mitochondrial-dependant apoptotic features such as the release of cytochrome c and activation of caspases. MBIC markedly interferes with tubulin polymerization. Western blotting results indicated that MBIC affects mitotic regulatory machinery by up-regulating BubR1, Cyclin B1, CDK1 and down-regulation of Aurora B. In addition, MBIC displayed synergistic effect when given in combination with colchicine, nocodazole, paclitaxel and doxorubicin. Conclusion Taken together, our study demonstrated the distinctive microtubule destabilizing effects of MBIC against cervical cancer cells in vitro. Besides that, MBIC exhibited synergistic effects with low doses of selected anticancer drugs and thus, may potentially reduce the toxicity and drug resistance to these agents. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13046-016-0332-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohadeseh Hasanpourghadi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia
| | - Chandrabose Karthikeyan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya, Bhopal, 462033, India
| | - Ashok Kumar Pandurangan
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia
| | - Chung Yeng Looi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia
| | - Piyush Trivedi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya, Bhopal, 462033, India
| | - Kinue Kobayashi
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, 980-8575, Sendai, Japan
| | - Kozo Tanaka
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, 980-8575, Sendai, Japan
| | - Won Fen Wong
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Rais Mustafa
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia.
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Abstract
Gametogenesis in animal oocytes reduces the diploid genome content of germline precursors to a haploid state in gametes by discarding ¾ of the duplicated chromosomes through a sequence of two meiotic cell divisions called meiosis I and II. The assembly of the microtubule-based spindle structure that mediates this reduction in genome content remains poorly understood compared to our knowledge of mitotic spindle assembly and function. In this review, we consider the diversity of oocyte meiotic spindle assembly and structure across animal phylogeny, review recent advances in our understanding of how animal oocytes assemble spindles in the absence of the centriole-based microtubule-organizing centers that dominate mitotic spindle assembly, and discuss different models for how chromosomes are captured and moved to achieve chromosome segregation during oocyte meiotic cell division.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron F Severson
- Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - George von Dassow
- Oregon Institute of Marine Biology, University of Oregon, Charleston, Oregon, USA
| | - Bruce Bowerman
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA.
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de Groot CO, Hsia JE, Anzola JV, Motamedi A, Yoon M, Wong YL, Jenkins D, Lee HJ, Martinez MB, Davis RL, Gahman TC, Desai A, Shiau AK. A Cell Biologist's Field Guide to Aurora Kinase Inhibitors. Front Oncol 2015; 5:285. [PMID: 26732741 PMCID: PMC4685510 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2015.00285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Aurora kinases are essential for cell division and are frequently misregulated in human cancers. Based on their potential as cancer therapeutics, a plethora of small molecule Aurora kinase inhibitors have been developed, with a subset having been adopted as tools in cell biology. Here, we fill a gap in the characterization of Aurora kinase inhibitors by using biochemical and cell-based assays to systematically profile a panel of 10 commercially available compounds with reported selectivity for Aurora A (MLN8054, MLN8237, MK-5108, MK-8745, Genentech Aurora Inhibitor 1), Aurora B (Hesperadin, ZM447439, AZD1152-HQPA, GSK1070916), or Aurora A/B (VX-680). We quantify the in vitro effect of each inhibitor on the activity of Aurora A alone, as well as Aurora A and Aurora B bound to fragments of their activators, TPX2 and INCENP, respectively. We also report kinome profiling results for a subset of these compounds to highlight potential off-target effects. In a cellular context, we demonstrate that immunofluorescence-based detection of LATS2 and histone H3 phospho-epitopes provides a facile and reliable means to assess potency and specificity of Aurora A versus Aurora B inhibition, and that G2 duration measured in a live imaging assay is a specific readout of Aurora A activity. Our analysis also highlights variation between HeLa, U2OS, and hTERT-RPE1 cells that impacts selective Aurora A inhibition. For Aurora B, all four tested compounds exhibit excellent selectivity and do not significantly inhibit Aurora A at effective doses. For Aurora A, MK-5108 and MK-8745 are significantly more selective than the commonly used inhibitors MLN8054 and MLN8237. A crystal structure of an Aurora A/MK-5108 complex that we determined suggests the chemical basis for this higher specificity. Taken together, our quantitative biochemical and cell-based analyses indicate that AZD1152-HQPA and MK-8745 are the best current tools for selectively inhibiting Aurora B and Aurora A, respectively. However, MK-8745 is not nearly as ideal as AZD1152-HQPA in that it requires high concentrations to achieve full inhibition in a cellular context, indicating a need for more potent Aurora A-selective inhibitors. We conclude with a set of “good practice” guidelines for the use of Aurora inhibitors in cell biology experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian O de Groot
- Small Molecule Discovery Program, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research , La Jolla, CA , USA
| | - Judy E Hsia
- Small Molecule Discovery Program, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research , La Jolla, CA , USA
| | - John V Anzola
- Small Molecule Discovery Program, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research , La Jolla, CA , USA
| | - Amir Motamedi
- Small Molecule Discovery Program, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research , La Jolla, CA , USA
| | - Michelle Yoon
- Small Molecule Discovery Program, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research , La Jolla, CA , USA
| | - Yao Liang Wong
- Laboratory of Chromosome Biology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - David Jenkins
- Small Molecule Discovery Program, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research , La Jolla, CA , USA
| | - Hyun J Lee
- Small Molecule Discovery Program, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research , La Jolla, CA , USA
| | - Mallory B Martinez
- Small Molecule Discovery Program, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research , La Jolla, CA , USA
| | - Robert L Davis
- Small Molecule Discovery Program, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research , La Jolla, CA , USA
| | - Timothy C Gahman
- Small Molecule Discovery Program, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research , La Jolla, CA , USA
| | - Arshad Desai
- Laboratory of Chromosome Biology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Andrew K Shiau
- Small Molecule Discovery Program, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research , La Jolla, CA , USA
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Quartuccio SM, Schindler K. Functions of Aurora kinase C in meiosis and cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2015; 3:50. [PMID: 26347867 PMCID: PMC4542505 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2015.00050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian genome encodes three Aurora kinase protein family members: A, B, and C. While Aurora kinase A (AURKA) and B (AURKB) are found in cells throughout the body, significant protein levels of Aurora kinase C (AURKC) are limited to cells that undergo meiosis (sperm and oocyte). Despite its discovery nearly 20 years ago, we know little about the function of AURKC compared to that of the other 2 Aurora kinases. This lack of understanding can be attributed to the high sequence homology between AURKB and AURKC preventing the use of standard approaches to understand non-overlapping and meiosis I (MI)-specific functions of the two kinases. Recent evidence has revealed distinct functions of AURKC in meiosis and may aid in our understanding of why chromosome segregation during MI often goes awry in oocytes. Many cancers aberrantly express AURKC, but because we do not fully understand AURKC function in its normal cellular context, it is difficult to predict the biological significance of this expression on the disease. Here, we consolidate and update what is known about AURKC signaling in meiotic cells to better understand why it has oncogenic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne M Quartuccio
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Karen Schindler
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Piscataway, NJ, USA
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Yang KT, Tang CJC, Tang TK. Possible Role of Aurora-C in Meiosis. Front Oncol 2015; 5:178. [PMID: 26322271 PMCID: PMC4534787 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2015.00178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The meiotic generation of haploid gametes with equal contents of genetic material is important for sexual reproduction in mammals. Errors in the transmission of chromosomes during meiosis may lead to aneuploidy, which is the leading cause of miscarriage and congenital birth defects in humans. The Aurora kinases, which include Aurora-A, Aurora-B, and Aurora-C, are highly conserved serine–threonine kinases that play essential roles in centrosome function, chromosome segregation, and cytokinesis during mitosis and meiosis. While Aurora-A and Aurora-B have been extensively studied in mitosis, the role of Aurora-C in meiosis is only now starting to be revealed. For example, the perturbation of Aurora-C kinase activity by microinjection of Aurora-C-kinase-dead mutant mRNAs into mouse oocytes induced multiple defects, including chromosome misalignment, abnormal kinetochore–microtubule attachment, premature chromosome segregation, and failure of cytokinesis during meiotic division. However, the analysis of such defects is complicated by the possibility that Aurora-B may be present in mammalian germ cells. Interestingly, a homozygous mutation of Aurora-C in humans leads to the production of large-headed polyploid spermatozoa and causes male infertility, but homozygous females are fertile. Mouse studies regarding the roles of Aurora-B and Aurora-C in female meiotic divisions have yielded inconsistent results, and it has proven difficult to explain why homozygous human females have no significant clinical phenotype. In this review, we will discuss the controversial status of Aurora-B in oocytes and the possible role of Aurora-C during meiotic division.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo-Tai Yang
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, National Taiwan University , Taipei , Taiwan
| | - Chieh-Ju C Tang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica , Taipei , Taiwan
| | - Tang K Tang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica , Taipei , Taiwan
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Abstract
Chromosomes are not only carriers of the genetic material, but also actively regulate the assembly of complex intracellular architectures. During mitosis, chromosome-induced microtubule polymerisation ensures spindle assembly in cells without centrosomes and plays a supportive role in centrosome-containing cells. Chromosomal signals also mediate post-mitotic nuclear envelope (NE) re-formation. Recent studies using novel approaches to manipulate histones in oocytes, where functions can be analysed in the absence of transcription, have established that nucleosomes, but not DNA alone, mediate the chromosomal regulation of spindle assembly and NE formation. Both processes require the generation of RanGTP by RCC1 recruited to nucleosomes but nucleosomes also acquire cell cycle stage specific regulators, Aurora B in mitosis and ELYS, the initiator of nuclear pore complex assembly, at mitotic exit. Here, we review the mechanisms by which nucleosomes control assembly and functions of the spindle and the NE, and discuss their implications for genome maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Zierhut
- Laboratory of Chromosome and Cell Biology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hironori Funabiki
- Laboratory of Chromosome and Cell Biology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
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Ben-Eliezer I, Pomerantz Y, Galiani D, Nevo N, Dekel N. Appropriate expression of Ube2C and Ube2S controls the progression of the first meiotic division. FASEB J 2015. [PMID: 26207029 DOI: 10.1096/fj.15-274522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Timely degradation of protein regulators of the cell cycle is essential for the completion of cell division. This degradation is promoted by the E3 anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) and mediated by the E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes (Ube2s). Unlike the ample information gathered regarding the meiotic E3 APC/C, the E2s participating in this cell division have never been studied. We identified Ube2C, -S, and -D3 as the E2 enzymes that regulate APC/C activity during meiosis of mouse oocytes. Their depletion reduces the levels of the first meiotic cytokinesis by 50%, and their overexpression doubles and accelerates its completion (50% as compared with 4% at 11 h). We also demonstrated that these E2s take part in ensuring appropriate spindle formation. It is noteworthy that high levels of Ube2C bring about the resumption of the first meiotic division, regardless of the formation of the spindle, overriding the spindle assembly checkpoint. Thus, alongside their canonical function in protein degradation, Ube2C and -S also control the extrusion of the first polar body. Overall, our study characterizes new regulators and unveils the novel roles they play during the meiotic division. These findings shed light on faithful chromosome segregation in oocytes and may contribute to better understanding of aneuploidy and its consequent genetic malformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inbal Ben-Eliezer
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yael Pomerantz
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Dalia Galiani
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Nava Nevo
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Nava Dekel
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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Expression Pattern and Localization Dynamics of Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor RIC8 during Mouse Oogenesis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0129131. [PMID: 26062014 PMCID: PMC4465189 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0129131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2013] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting of G proteins to the cell cortex and their activation is one of the triggers of both asymmetric and symmetric cell division. Resistance to inhibitors of cholinesterase 8 (RIC8), a guanine nucleotide exchange factor, activates a certain subgroup of G protein α-subunits in a receptor independent manner. RIC8 controls the asymmetric cell division in Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster, and symmetric cell division in cultured mammalian cells, where it regulates the mitotic spindle orientation. Although intensely studied in mitosis, the function of RIC8 in mammalian meiosis has remained unknown. Here we demonstrate that the expression and subcellular localization of RIC8 changes profoundly during mouse oogenesis. Immunofluorescence studies revealed that RIC8 expression is dependent on oocyte growth and cell cycle phase. During oocyte growth, RIC8 is abundantly present in cytoplasm of oocytes at primordial, primary and secondary preantral follicle stages. Later, upon oocyte maturation RIC8 also populates the germinal vesicle, its localization becomes cell cycle dependent, and it associates with chromatin and the meiotic spindle. After fertilization, RIC8 protein converges to the pronuclei and is also detectable at high levels in the nucleolus precursor bodies of both maternal and paternal pronucleus. During first cleavage of zygote RIC8 localizes in the mitotic spindle and cell cortex of forming blastomeres. In addition, we demonstrate that RIC8 co-localizes with its interaction partners Gαi1/2:GDP and LGN in meiotic/mitotic spindle, cell cortex and polar bodies of maturing oocytes and zygotes. Downregulation of Ric8 by siRNA leads to interferred translocation of Gαi1/2 to cortical region of maturing oocytes and reduction of its levels. RIC8 is also expressed at high level in female reproductive organs e.g. oviduct. Therefore we suggest a regulatory function for RIC8 in mammalian gametogenesis and fertility.
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Fellmeth JE, Gordon D, Robins CE, Scott RT, Treff NR, Schindler K. Expression and characterization of three Aurora kinase C splice variants found in human oocytes. Mol Hum Reprod 2015; 21:633-44. [PMID: 25995441 PMCID: PMC4518136 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gav026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 05/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromosome segregation is an extensively choreographed process yet errors still occur frequently in female meiosis, leading to implantation failure, miscarriage or offspring with developmental disorders. Aurora kinase C (AURKC) is a component of the chromosome passenger complex and is highly expressed in gametes. Studies in mouse oocytes indicate that AURKC is required to regulate chromosome segregation during meiosis I; however, little is known about the functional significance of AURKC in human oocytes. Three splice variants of AURKC exist in testis tissue. To determine which splice variants human oocytes express, we performed quantitative real-time PCR using single oocytes and found expression of all three variants. To evaluate the functional differences between the variants, we created green fluorescent protein-tagged constructs of each variant to express in oocytes from Aurkc(-/-) mice. By quantifying metaphase chromosome alignment, cell cycle progression, phosphorylation of INCENP and microtubule attachments to kinetochores, we found that AURKC_v1 was the most capable of the variants at supporting metaphase I chromosome segregation. AURKC_v3 localized to chromosomes properly and supported cell cycle progression to metaphase II, but its inability to correct erroneous microtubule attachments to kinetochores meant that chromosome segregation was not as accurate compared with the other two variants. Finally, when we expressed the three variants simultaneously, error correction was more robust than when they were expressed on their own. Therefore, oocytes express three variants of AURKC that are not functionally equivalent in supporting meiosis, but fully complement meiosis when expressed simultaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica E Fellmeth
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, 145 Bevier Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Derek Gordon
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, 145 Bevier Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Christian E Robins
- Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey, Basking Ridge, NJ 07960, USA
| | - Richard T Scott
- Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey, Basking Ridge, NJ 07960, USA
| | - Nathan R Treff
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, 145 Bevier Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey, Basking Ridge, NJ 07960, USA
| | - Karen Schindler
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, 145 Bevier Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
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Coutton C, Escoffier J, Martinez G, Arnoult C, Ray PF. Teratozoospermia: spotlight on the main genetic actors in the human. Hum Reprod Update 2015; 21:455-85. [PMID: 25888788 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 215] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2014] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male infertility affects >20 million men worldwide and represents a major health concern. Although multifactorial, male infertility has a strong genetic basis which has so far not been extensively studied. Recent studies of consanguineous families and of small cohorts of phenotypically homogeneous patients have however allowed the identification of a number of autosomal recessive causes of teratozoospermia. Homozygous mutations of aurora kinase C (AURKC) were first described to be responsible for most cases of macrozoospermia. Other genes defects have later been identified in spermatogenesis associated 16 (SPATA16) and dpy-19-like 2 (DPY19L2) in patients with globozoospermia and more recently in dynein, axonemal, heavy chain 1 (DNAH1) in a heterogeneous group of patients presenting with flagellar abnormalities previously described as dysplasia of the fibrous sheath or short/stump tail syndromes, which we propose to call multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella (MMAF). METHODS A comprehensive review of the scientific literature available in PubMed/Medline was conducted for studies on human genetics, experimental models and physiopathology related to teratozoospermia in particular globozoospermia, large headed spermatozoa and flagellar abnormalities. The search included all articles with an English abstract available online before September 2014. RESULTS Molecular studies of numerous unrelated patients with globozoospermia and large-headed spermatozoa confirmed that mutations in DPY19L2 and AURKC are mainly responsible for their respective pathological phenotype. In globozoospermia, the deletion of the totality of the DPY19L2 gene represents ∼ 81% of the pathological alleles but point mutations affecting the protein function have also been described. In macrozoospermia only two recurrent mutations were identified in AURKC, accounting for almost all the pathological alleles, raising the possibility of a putative positive selection of heterozygous individuals. The recent identification of DNAH1 mutations in a proportion of patients with MMAF is promising but emphasizes that this phenotype is genetically heterogeneous. Moreover, the identification of mutations in a dynein strengthens the emerging point of view that MMAF may be a phenotypic variation of the classical forms of primary ciliary dyskinesia. Based on data from human and animal models, the MMAF phenotype seems to be favored by defects directly or indirectly affecting the central pair of axonemal microtubules of the sperm flagella. CONCLUSIONS The studies described here provide valuable information regarding the genetic and molecular defects causing infertility, to improve our understanding of the physiopathology of teratozoospermia while giving a detailed characterization of specific features of spermatogenesis. Furthermore, these findings have a significant influence on the diagnostic strategy for teratozoospermic patients allowing the clinician to provide the patient with informed genetic counseling, to adopt the best course of treatment and to develop personalized medicine directly targeting the defective gene products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Coutton
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, F-38000, France Equipe 'Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility' Institut Albert Bonniot, INSERM U823, La Tronche, F-38706, France CHU de Grenoble, UF de Génétique Chromosomique, Grenoble, F-38000, France
| | - Jessica Escoffier
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, F-38000, France Equipe 'Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility' Institut Albert Bonniot, INSERM U823, La Tronche, F-38706, France Departments of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Guillaume Martinez
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, F-38000, France Equipe 'Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility' Institut Albert Bonniot, INSERM U823, La Tronche, F-38706, France
| | - Christophe Arnoult
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, F-38000, France Equipe 'Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility' Institut Albert Bonniot, INSERM U823, La Tronche, F-38706, France
| | - Pierre F Ray
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, F-38000, France Equipe 'Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility' Institut Albert Bonniot, INSERM U823, La Tronche, F-38706, France CHU de Grenoble, UF de Biochimie et Génétique Moléculaire, Grenoble, F-38000, France
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Demidov D, Lermontova I, Weiss O, Fuchs J, Rutten T, Kumke K, Sharbel TF, Van Damme D, De Storme N, Geelen D, Houben A. Altered expression of Aurora kinases in Arabidopsis results in aneu- and polyploidization. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2014; 80:449-61. [PMID: 25146886 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.12647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2014] [Revised: 08/11/2014] [Accepted: 08/14/2014] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Aurora is an evolutionary conserved protein kinase family involved in monitoring of chromosome segregation via phosphorylation of different substrates. In plants, however, the involvement of Aurora proteins in meiosis and in sensing microtubule attachment remains to be proven, although the downstream components leading to the targeting of spindle assembly checkpoint signals to anaphase-promoting complex have been described. To analyze the three members of Aurora family (AtAurora1, -2, and -3) of Arabidopsis we employed different combinations of T-DNA insertion mutants and/or RNAi transformants. Meiotic defects and the formation of unreduced pollen were revealed including plants with an increased ploidy level. The effect of reduced expression of Aurora was mimicked by application of the ATP-competitive Aurora inhibitor II. In addition, strong overexpression of any member of the AtAurora family is not possible. Only tagged or truncated forms of Aurora kinases can be overexpressed. Expression of truncated AtAurora1 resulted in a high number of aneuploids in Arabidopsis, while expression of AtAurora1-TAPi construct in tobacco resulted in 4C (possible tetraploid) progeny. In conclusion, our data demonstrate an essential role of Aurora kinases in the monitoring of meiosis in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitri Demidov
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Corrensstraße 3, 06466, Gatersleben, Germany
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Nguyen AL, Gentilello AS, Balboula AZ, Shrivastava V, Ohring J, Schindler K. Phosphorylation of threonine 3 on histone H3 by haspin kinase is required for meiosis I in mouse oocytes. J Cell Sci 2014; 127:5066-78. [PMID: 25315835 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.158840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Meiosis I (MI), the division that generates haploids, is prone to errors that lead to aneuploidy in females. Haspin is a kinase that phosphorylates histone H3 on threonine 3, thereby recruiting Aurora kinase B (AURKB) and the chromosomal passenger complex (CPC) to kinetochores to regulate mitosis. Haspin and AURKC, an AURKB homolog, are enriched in germ cells, yet their significance in regulating MI is not fully understood. Using inhibitors and overexpression approaches, we show a role for haspin during MI in mouse oocytes. Haspin-perturbed oocytes display abnormalities in chromosome morphology and alignment, improper kinetochore-microtubule attachments at metaphase I and aneuploidy at metaphase II. Unlike in mitosis, kinetochore localization remained intact, whereas the distribution of the CPC along chromosomes was absent. The meiotic defects following haspin inhibition were similar to those observed in oocytes where AURKC was inhibited, suggesting that the correction of microtubule attachments during MI requires AURKC along chromosome arms rather than at kinetochores. Our data implicate haspin as a regulator of the CPC and chromosome segregation during MI, while highlighting important differences in how chromosome segregation is regulated between MI and mitosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra L Nguyen
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Amanda S Gentilello
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Ahmed Z Balboula
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Vibha Shrivastava
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Jacob Ohring
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Karen Schindler
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
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Zhang Y, Liu J, Peng X, Zhu CC, Han J, Luo J, Rui R. KIF20A regulates porcine oocyte maturation and early embryo development. PLoS One 2014; 9:e102898. [PMID: 25036038 PMCID: PMC4103861 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0102898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2014] [Accepted: 06/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
KIF20A (Kinesin-like family member 20A), also called mitotic kinesin-like proteins 2 (MKLP2), is a mammalian mitotic kinesin-like motor protein of the Kinesin superfamily proteins (KIFs), which was originally involved in Golgi apparatus dynamics and thought to essential for cell cycle regulation during successful cytokinesis. In the present study, we investigated whether KIF20A has roles on porcine oocyte meiotic maturation and subsequent early embryo development. By immunofluorescence staining, KIF20A was found to exhibit a dynamic localization pattern during meiosis. KIF20A was restricted to centromeres after germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD), transferred to the midbody at telophase I (TI), and again associated with centromeres at metaphase II (MII). Inhibition of endogenous KIF20A via a specific inhibitor, Paprotrain, resulted in failure of polar body extrusion. Further cell cycle analysis showed that the percentage of oocytes that arrested at early metaphase I (MI) stage increased after KIF20A activity inhibition; however, the proportion of oocytes at anaphase/telophase I (ATI) and MII stages decreased significantly. Our results also showed that KIF20A inhibition did not affect spindle morphology. In addition, KIF20A was localized at the nucleus of early embryos, and KIF20A inhibition resulted in failure of early parthenogenetic embryo development. These results demonstrated that KIF20A is critical for porcine oocyte meiotic maturation and subsequent early embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu, China
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun Liu
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xu Peng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Cheng-Cheng Zhu
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun Han
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jia Luo
- Technology Centre of Guangxi Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, Nanning, China
| | - Rong Rui
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu, China
- * E-mail:
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Overexpression of Aurora-C interferes with the spindle checkpoint by promoting the degradation of Aurora-B. Cell Death Dis 2014; 5:e1106. [PMID: 24603334 PMCID: PMC3973241 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2014.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2013] [Revised: 01/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The chromosomal passenger complex (CPC) plays a pivotal role in controlling accurate chromosome segregation and cytokinesis during cell division. Aurora-B, one of the chromosomal passenger proteins, is important for the mitotic spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC). Previous reports noted that Aurora-C is predominantly expressed in male germ cells and has the same subcellular localization as Aurora-B. Increasing evidence indicates that Aurora-C is overexpressed in many somatic cancers, although its function is uncertain. Our previous study showed that the aberrant expression of Aurora-C increases the tumorigenicity of cancer cells. Here, we demonstrate that overexpressed Aurora-C displaces the centromeric localization of CPCs, including INCENP, survivin, and Aurora-B. When cells were treated with nocodazole to turn on SAC, both the Aurora-B protein stability and kinase activity were affected by overexpressed Aurora-C. As a result, the activation of spindle checkpoint protein, BubR1, and phosphorylation of histone H3 and MCAK were also eliminated in Aurora-C-overexpressing cells. Thus, our results suggest that aberrantly expressed Aurora-C in somatic cancer cells may impair SAC by displacing the centromeric localization of CPCs.
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Selective disruption of aurora C kinase reveals distinct functions from aurora B kinase during meiosis in mouse oocytes. PLoS Genet 2014; 10:e1004194. [PMID: 24586209 PMCID: PMC3937256 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1004194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2013] [Accepted: 01/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Aurora B kinase (AURKB) is the catalytic subunit of the chromosomal passenger complex (CPC), an essential regulator of chromosome segregation. In mitosis, the CPC is required to regulate kinetochore microtubule (K-MT) attachments, the spindle assembly checkpoint, and cytokinesis. Germ cells express an AURKB homolog, AURKC, which can also function in the CPC. Separation of AURKB and AURKC function during meiosis in oocytes by conventional approaches has not been successful. Therefore, the meiotic function of AURKC is still not fully understood. Here, we describe an ATP-binding-pocket-AURKC mutant, that when expressed in mouse oocytes specifically perturbs AURKC-CPC and not AURKB-CPC function. Using this mutant we show for the first time that AURKC has functions that do not overlap with AURKB. These functions include regulating localized CPC activity and regulating chromosome alignment and K-MT attachments at metaphase of meiosis I (Met I). We find that AURKC-CPC is not the sole CPC complex that regulates the spindle assembly checkpoint in meiosis, and as a result most AURKC-perturbed oocytes arrest at Met I. A small subset of oocytes do proceed through cytokinesis normally, suggesting that AURKC-CPC is not the sole CPC complex during telophase I. But, the resulting eggs are aneuploid, indicating that AURKC is a critical regulator of meiotic chromosome segregation in female gametes. Taken together, these data suggest that mammalian oocytes contain AURKC to efficiently execute meiosis I and ensure high-quality eggs necessary for sexual reproduction.
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