Cyclin B in mouse oocytes and embryos: importance for human reproduction and aneuploidy

Results Probl Cell Differ. 2012:55:69-91. doi: 10.1007/978-3-642-30406-4_4.

Abstract

Oocyte maturation and early embryo development require precise coordination between cell cycle progression and the developmental programme. Cyclin B plays a major role in this process: its accumulation and degradation is critical for driving the cell cycle through activation and inactivation of the major cell cycle kinase, CDK1. CDK1 activation is required for M-phase entry whereas its inactivation leads to exit from M-phase. The tempo of oocyte meiotic and embryonic mitotic divisions is set by the rate of cyclin B accumulation and the timing of its destruction. By controlling when cyclin B destruction is triggered and by co-ordinating this with the completion of chromosome alignment, the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) is a critical quality control system important for averting aneuploidy and for building in the flexibility required to better integrate cell cycle progression with development. In this review we focus on cyclin B metabolism in mouse oocytes and embryos and illustrate how the cell cycle-powered clock (in fact cyclin B-powered clock) controls oocyte maturation and early embryo development, thereby providing important insight into human reproduction and potential causes of Down syndrome.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CDC2 Protein Kinase / metabolism
  • Cyclin B / metabolism*
  • Down Syndrome / metabolism*
  • Embryo, Mammalian / metabolism*
  • Embryonic Development*
  • Humans
  • M Phase Cell Cycle Checkpoints*
  • Mice
  • Oocytes / metabolism*
  • Proteolysis*
  • Trisomy*

Substances

  • Cyclin B
  • CDC2 Protein Kinase