Localization of RNA and translation in the mammalian oocyte and embryo

PLoS One. 2018 Mar 12;13(3):e0192544. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0192544. eCollection 2018.

Abstract

The tight correlation between mRNA distribution and subsequent protein localization and function indicate a major role for mRNA localization within the cell. RNA localization, followed by local translation, presents a mechanism for spatial and temporal gene expression regulation utilized by various cell types. However, little is known about mRNA localization and translation in the mammalian oocyte and early embryo. Importantly, fully-grown oocyte becomes transcriptionally inactive and only utilizes transcripts previously synthesized and stored during earlier development. We discovered an abundant RNA population in the oocyte and early embryo nucleus together with RNA binding proteins. We also characterized specific ribosomal proteins, which contribute to translation in the oocyte and embryo. By applying selected markers to mouse and human oocytes, we found that there might be a similar mechanism of RNA metabolism in both species. In conclusion, we visualized the localization of RNAs and translation machinery in the oocyte, that could shed light on this terra incognita of these unique cell types in mouse and human.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Embryo, Mammalian / metabolism*
  • Embryo, Mammalian / ultrastructure
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental*
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Oocytes / metabolism*
  • Oocytes / ultrastructure
  • Protein Biosynthesis*
  • RNA, Messenger / analysis
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics*
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / analysis
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • Transcriptome

Substances

  • RNA, Messenger
  • RNA-Binding Proteins

Grants and funding

This work was supported by Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Cell Biology-GAUK 243-227026 to DJ. The Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, http://www.cas.cz/, GACR13–12291S to AS, GACR15–22765S to MK, EXCELLENCECZ.02.1.01/0.0/0.0/15_003/0000460 OP RDE and Institutional Research Concept RVO67985904.