Genomic function during the lampbrush chromosome stage of amphibian oogenesis

Widespread transcription in an amphibian oocyte relates to its reprogramming activity on transplanted somatic nuclei

Amphibian oocytes have the special ability to directly induce the transcription of pluripotency and other genes in transplanted somatic nuclei. To this extent, oocytes induce a stem cell-like pattern of transcription in somatic cell nuclei. We ask whether the induced transcription in transplanted nuclei reflects the normal transcriptional activity of oocyte genes. We describe here the transcript content of a wide range of genes in Xenopus tropicalis oocytes. Using accurate quantitation, we find that each mature oocyte has accumulated several hundred transcripts of cell-type specific genes. This value is several orders of magnitude greater than the "leakage" level found in most somatic cells and about the same level found in somatic cells where these genes are fully expressed. Illumina sequencing confirms the high transcript content of a mature Xenopus oocyte. Most of the transcripts from these highly expressed genes in oocytes are correctly and efficiently spliced. Our results contribute a more quantitative view of certain amphibian oocyte transcripts than previously available. Our results also show that transplanted somatic nuclei conform, with respect to the genes analyzed, to the transcriptional characteristics of the recipient oocytes.

Evidence for multiple sequences and factors involved in c-myc RNA stability during amphibian oogenesis

To investigate the molecular mechanisms regulating c-myc RNA stability during late amphibian oogenesis, a heterologous system was used in which synthetic Xenopus laevis c-myc transcripts, progressively deleted from their 3' end, were injected into the cytoplasm of two different host axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) cells: stage VI oocytes and progesterone-matured oocytes (unfertilized eggs; UFE). This in vivo strategy allowed the behavior of the exogenous c-myc transcripts to be followed and different regions involved in the stability of each intermediate deleted molecule to be identified. Interestingly, these specific regions differ in the two cellular contexts. In oocytes, two stabilizing regions are located in the 3' untranslated region (UTR) and two in the coding sequence (exons II and III) of the RNA. In UFE, the stabilizing regions correspond to the first part of the 3' UTR and to the first part of exon II. However, in UFE, the majority of synthetic transcripts are degraded. This degradation is a consequence of nuclear factors delivered after germinal vesicle breakdown and specifically acting on targeted regions of the RNA. To test the direct implication of these nuclear factors in c-myc RNA degradation, an in vitro system was set up using axolotl germinal vesicle extracts that mimic the in vivo results and confirm the existence of specific destabilizing factors. In vitro analysis revealed that two populations of nuclear molecules are implicated: one of 4.4-5S (50-65 kDa) and the second of 5.4-6S (90-110 kDa). These degrading nuclear factors act preferentially on the coding region of the c-myc RNA and appear to be conserved between axolotl and Xenopus. Thus, this experimental approach has allowed the identification of specific stabilizing sequences in c-myc RNA and the temporal identification of the different factors (cytoplasmic and/or nuclear) involved in post-transcriptional regulation of this RNA during oogenesis.

Specializations of the outer mitochondrial membrane during oocyte development

A coating of electron dense material is present on the cytoplasmic surface of outer mitochondrial membranes in medium-sized hamster oocytes. The coating is not present at earlier or later stages of oocyte development. Its possible relationship to the synthesis and transport of mitochondrial protein is discussed. Associations between endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes, glycogen and the outer mitochondrial membrane are also described and discussed.

The use of ammonium acetate in the precipitation of ribonucleic acid

Ammonium acetate (0.24M) in combination with cold 66% (v/v) ethanol quantitatively precipitated RNA from very dilute solutions (greater than or equal to mug/ml) after centrifugation for 2.5 X 10(6)g-min. There was also less co-precipitation of detergents with ammonium acetate than NaCl.

Synthesis of soluble protein in oocytes of Xenopus laevis

Oocytes of five stages of development were isolated from ovaries of Xenopus laevis and allowed to take up radioactive amino acids. After six hours of labeling the amount of label incorporated into perchloric acid precipitable material from the soluble oocyte fraction and the specific activity of the label free pool was determined. From these figures an estimate of the rate of protein synthesis was calculated. Labeled soluble protein from each oocyte stage was analyzed by electrophoresis on SDS polyacrylamide gels. The gel was dried and autoradiographed to determine the qualitative pattern of soluble protein synthesis during various stages of oogenesis. Our results indicate that no significant differences exist in the rate of protein synthesis among any of the stages of oogenesis investigated. The qualitative pattern of soluble protein synthesized during the labeling period is similar among the oocyte stages. Moreover, this qualitative pattern of soluble protein synthesis is the same as the pattern of soluble protein accumulated up to that time during oogenesis. These results suggest a stable synthesis and accumulation of maternal protein products during Xenopus oogenesis, in marked contrast to the results that have been reported for RNA synthesis during oogenesis in Xenopus. Our results are discussed in terms of the present understanding of the process of maternal information accumulation.

Preformed mRNA and the programming of early embryo development

A significant feature of the early development of fertilized echinoderm and amphibian eggs and germinating seed embryos is the utilization of genetic information that has been previously transcribed during oogenesis and seed ripening. When RNA synthesis is suppressed in the early developing embryos by actinomycin D, cordycepin, or alpha-amanitin, there is no effect on the translation of the "preformed mRNA", only a limited number have been thus far identified; microtubule and histone proteins in the fertilized sea urchin egg and carboxypeptidase and isocritric lyase in germinating cottonseed. Data obtained on the protein synthetic pattern at different times after the onset of development suggest that preformed mRNAs are made available to the translational system in a gradual process, thereby providing a molecular basis for the regulation of development. The possibility is considered that polyadenylation of mRNA, a reaction known to occur early after sea urchin fertilization, is responsible for regulating the release of preformed mRNA. It is shown that this reaction (polyadenylation) can be completely suppressed with little effect on the function of preformed mRNA. Finally, it is suggested, at least for the seed embryo system, that the formation of ATP may be a prerequisite for the activation of protein synthesis.

Cell-free translation of maternal messenger RNA from sea urchin eggs

The template activity of RNA extracted from unfertilized sea urchin eggs was demonstrated in a cell-free translation system, and, for the first time, specific proteins were identified among the products. All messenger RNA activity is recovered, under the conditions used, from the postribosomal supernatant. Histones, among many other proteins, were identified specifically as products of this "maternal" messenger RNA.

Intracellular synthesis, transport, and packaging of proteinaceous yolk in oocytes of Orconectes immunis

The incorporation of leucine-(3)H into either ovarian or oocyte proteins occurs throughout vitellogenesis, but is at a maximum during early phases of this process. The labeling of ovarian and oocyte proteins is inhibited with cycloheximide. Oocytes are permeable to actinomycin D, and this drug does not affect the incorporation of amino acids into oocyte proteins but does block oocyte RNA synthesis. By means of both light microscope and high resolution radioautography, it has been demonstrated that the initial incorporation of leucine-(3)H under both in vitro and in vivo conditions occurs in elements of the rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum in the oocyte. Under pulse-chase conditions, the label subsequently becomes associated with intracisternal (precursor yolk) granules now aggregated within the cisternae of the connected smooth-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum. By 7 days, mature yolk globules are extensively labeled. The results of experiments designed to assess the possible contribution of maternal blood proteins to yolk deposition indicate that such a contribution is minimal. It is concluded that the crayfish oocyte is programmed for and capable of synthesizing the massive store of proteinaceous yolk present in the egg at the end of oogenesis.

Dissociation of ribosomes from oocytes of Xenopus laevis into active subparticles

Ribosomes from oocytes of Xenopus laevis possess low endogenous activity in vivo and in vitro, yet are readily stimulated by poly(U). The ease with which these ribosomes dissociate into active subparticles under conditions where polyribosomes and active monoribosomes are stable supports the view that the majority are unprogrammed.

[Gibberellic acid stimulated gene activity in the endosperm of Phaseolus]

Gibberellic acid, injected into maturing ovules of Phaseolus vulgaris, induces 3.2-fold enhancement of the number of additional nucleoli within the endopolyploid endosperm nuclei. The additional nucleoli originate at different sites of polytene chromosome-like chromosome bundles. They contain RNA and are sensitive to actinomycin D. Similar nucleolar bodies are extruded by the main nucleolus. It is assumed that gibberellic acid stimulates the chromosomal and nucleolar RNA synthesis, i.e., the gene activity, in the endosperm nuclei.RNA synthesis was tested by (3)H-thymidine it could be seen that gibberellin-treated and gibberellin-treated endosperms were labeled, but those of actinomycin-treated endosperms were not. Using (3)H-thymidine it could be seen that gibberellin-treated endosperm nuclei continue to replicate their DNA for a longer period than untreated nuclei. Hence it follows that the treated nuclei become more highly endopolyploid and are capable of functioning longer than the untreated ones.

High sequence diversity in the RNA synthesized at the lampbrush stage of oögenesis

Many diverse RNA's are synthesized in the lampbrush stage oöcyte of Xenopus, as shown by the presence of different nucleotide sequences in the RNA population. This fact has been established by hybridizing lampbrush stage oöcyte RNA with an isolated nonrepetitive fraction of Xenopus DNA.

Organization and activity in the pre- and postovulatory follicle of Necturus maculosus

The established follicle envelope of Necturus maculosus consists of a layer of follicle cells (granulosa) surrounding the developing oocyte, a layer of theca comprised of connective tissue cells, fibers, and matrix, and a layer of serosal cells. The changes in shape and fine structure of these layers during differentiation accompanying oogenesis are described. The cells and capillaries of the follicle envelope are engaged in an extensive pinocytotic activity, the details of which are described. We used cytochemical techniques to analyze the activity of the follicle envelope with respect to lipid accumulation and alkaline phosphatase activity. Radioautographic results indicate that cells of the follicle envelope are capable of incorporating tritium-labeled uridine and amino acids at certain times during oocyte growth. A comparative analysis was made of the soluble proteins in follicle envelopes isolated from immature oocytes and of those in follicle envelopes isolated from nearly mature oocytes and in postovulatory follicles. After the oocyte is ovulated, the cells of the follicle envelope are converted into a postovulatory follicle. The cells of the postovulatory follicle undergo further differentiation resulting in their becoming actively engaged in the formation of a secretion, the details of which are described at the electron microscope level. Analysis of the postovulatory follicle by thin-layer chromatography and cytochemistry demonstrated the presence of a wide variety of lipid substances and the possible presence of steroid. That the postovulatory follicle may be engaged in steroid biosynthesis is also suggested by studies involving the demonstration of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity with cytochemical techniques applied to frozen sections and to soluble proteins separated by gel electrophoresis.

Kinetics of protein synthesis in enucleate frog oocytes

Kinetics of protein synthesis were measured in oocytes of Rana pipiens enucleated at various times during and following pituitary-induced maturation. These enucleated oocytes were capable of the same rate of protein synthesis as nucleated controls, even when rates were measured many hours after enucleation.