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Zhou C, Zhang X, Xu G, Ran Y, Wang H, Xie X, Li A, Li F, Li X, Ding J, Zhang M, Sun Q, Ou X. A Microtubule-Associated Protein Functions in Preventing Oocytes from Evading the Spindle Assembly Checkpoint. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2025; 12:e2413097. [PMID: 39721007 PMCID: PMC11831433 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202413097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2024] [Revised: 12/02/2024] [Indexed: 12/28/2024]
Abstract
Aneuploidy eggs are a common cause of human infertility, spontaneous abortion, or trisomy syndromes. The spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) plays a crucial role in preventing aneuploidy in oocytes, yet it is unclear if additional mechanisms exist to ensure oocyte adherence to this checkpoint. It is now revealed that the microtubule-associated protein NUSAP can prevent oocytes from evading the SAC and regulate the speed of the cell cycle. Mechanistically, the study identifies NUSAP as a novel stabilizer of the E3 ubiquitin ligase APC/CCDH1, protecting CDH1 from SCFBTRC-mediated degradation. Depletion of NUSAP reduces CDH1 protein level, leading to abnormal spindle assembly and chromosome alignment, and disrupting the balance of cell cycle proteins. This misregulated balance causes oocytes to evade the SAC. Consequently, these abnormal oocytes not only fail to arrest at metaphase but also accelerate the cell process, ultimately resulting in the production of aneuploid eggs. Together, the findings not only clarify the existence of mechanisms that ensure oocytes compliance with the spindle assembly checkpoint but also expand the new functions of NUSAP beyond its role as a microtubule- associated protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changyin Zhou
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases and Reproductive HealthGuangdong‐Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint LaboratoryReproductive Medicine CenterThe Affiliated Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhou510317China
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical SciencesGuangdong University of TechnologyGuangzhou510006China
| | - Xue Zhang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases and Reproductive HealthGuangdong‐Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint LaboratoryReproductive Medicine CenterThe Affiliated Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhou510317China
| | - Genlu Xu
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases and Reproductive HealthGuangdong‐Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint LaboratoryReproductive Medicine CenterThe Affiliated Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhou510317China
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical SciencesGuangdong University of TechnologyGuangzhou510006China
| | - Yuting Ran
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases and Reproductive HealthGuangdong‐Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint LaboratoryReproductive Medicine CenterThe Affiliated Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhou510317China
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyAnhui Agricultural UniversityKey Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding of Anhui ProvinceHefei230036China
| | - Hui Wang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases and Reproductive HealthGuangdong‐Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint LaboratoryReproductive Medicine CenterThe Affiliated Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhou510317China
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyAnhui Agricultural UniversityKey Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding of Anhui ProvinceHefei230036China
| | - Xuefeng Xie
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases and Reproductive HealthGuangdong‐Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint LaboratoryReproductive Medicine CenterThe Affiliated Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhou510317China
| | - Ang Li
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases and Reproductive HealthGuangdong‐Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint LaboratoryReproductive Medicine CenterThe Affiliated Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhou510317China
| | - Fei Li
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases and Reproductive HealthGuangdong‐Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint LaboratoryReproductive Medicine CenterThe Affiliated Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhou510317China
| | - Xiaozhen Li
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases and Reproductive HealthGuangdong‐Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint LaboratoryReproductive Medicine CenterThe Affiliated Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhou510317China
| | - Jinlong Ding
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical SciencesGuangdong University of TechnologyGuangzhou510006China
| | - Mianqun Zhang
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyAnhui Agricultural UniversityKey Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding of Anhui ProvinceHefei230036China
| | - Qing‐Yuan Sun
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases and Reproductive HealthGuangdong‐Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint LaboratoryReproductive Medicine CenterThe Affiliated Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhou510317China
| | - Xiang‐Hong Ou
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases and Reproductive HealthGuangdong‐Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint LaboratoryReproductive Medicine CenterThe Affiliated Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhou510317China
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Pun R, North BJ. Role of spindle assembly checkpoint proteins in gametogenesis and embryogenesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2025; 12:1491394. [PMID: 39911185 PMCID: PMC11794522 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1491394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2024] [Accepted: 12/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2025] Open
Abstract
The spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) is a surveillance mechanism that prevents uneven segregation of sister chromatids between daughter cells during anaphase. This essential regulatory checkpoint prevents aneuploidy which can lead to various congenital defects observed in newborns. Many studies have been carried out to elucidate the role of proteins involved in the SAC as well as the function of the checkpoint during gametogenesis and embryogenesis. In this review, we discuss the role of SAC proteins in regulating both meiotic and mitotic cell division along with several factors that influence the SAC strength in various species. Finally, we outline the role of SAC proteins and the consequences of their absence or insufficiency on proper gametogenesis and embryogenesis in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brian J. North
- Biomedical Sciences Department, School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, United States
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3
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Shapiro JG, Changela N, Jang JK, Joshi JN, McKim KS. Distinct checkpoint and homolog biorientation pathways regulate meiosis I in Drosophila oocytes. PLoS Genet 2025; 21:e1011400. [PMID: 39879252 PMCID: PMC11809923 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2024] [Revised: 02/10/2025] [Accepted: 01/16/2025] [Indexed: 01/31/2025] Open
Abstract
Mitosis and meiosis have two mechanisms for regulating the accuracy of chromosome segregation: error correction and the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC). We have investigated the function of several checkpoint proteins in meiosis I of Drosophila oocytes. Increased localization of several SAC proteins was found upon depolymerization of microtubules by colchicine. However, unattached kinetochores or errors in biorientation of homologous chromosomes do not induce increased SAC protein localization. Furthermore, the metaphase I arrest does not depend on SAC genes, suggesting the APC is inhibited even if the SAC is not functional. Two SAC proteins, ROD of the ROD-ZW10-Zwilch (RZZ) complex and MPS1, are also required for the biorientation of homologous chromosomes during meiosis I, suggesting an error correction function. Both proteins aid in preventing or correcting erroneous attachments and depend on SPC105R for localization to the kinetochore. We have defined a region of SPC105R, amino acids 123-473, that is required for ROD localization and biorientation of homologous chromosomes at meiosis I. Surprisingly, ROD removal from kinetochores and movement towards spindle poles, termed "streaming," is independent of the dynein adaptor Spindly and is not linked to the stabilization of end-on attachments. Instead, meiotic RZZ streaming appears to depend on cell cycle stage and may be regulated independently of kinetochore attachment or biorientation status. We also show that Spindly is required for biorientation at meiosis I, and surprisingly, the direction of RZZ streaming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanatta G. Shapiro
- Waksman Institute, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Neha Changela
- Waksman Institute, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Janet K. Jang
- Waksman Institute, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Jay N. Joshi
- Waksman Institute, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Kim S. McKim
- Waksman Institute, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
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4
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Cheng SY, Yi ZY, Zhang CH, Sun QY, Qian WP, Li J. Vinorelbine administration impedes the timely progression of meiotic maturation and induces aneuploidy in mouse oocytes. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 128:108634. [PMID: 38851359 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108634] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Vinorelbine is a commonly used drug to treat various malignancies, such as breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, and metastatic pleural mesothelioma. Its side effects include severe neutropenia, local phlebitis, gastrointestinal reactions, and neurotoxicity. In view of the scarcity of research on vinorelbine's reproductive toxicity, this study evaluated the impact of vinorelbine ditartrate, a commonly used form of vinorelbine, on oocyte maturation in vitro. Our investigation revealed that vinorelbine ditartrate had no effect on oocyte meiotic resumption. However, it did reduce the rate of first polar body extrusion, suggesting that it could significantly impede the meiotic maturation of oocytes. Vinorelbine ditartrate exposure was found to disturb the regular spindle assembly and chromosome alignment, leading to the continuous activation of the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) and a delayed activation of the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C), ultimately causing aneuploidy in oocytes. Consequently, the administration of vinorelbine is likely to result in oocyte aneuploidy, which can be helpful in providing a drug reference and fertility guidance in a clinical context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Yu Cheng
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zi-Yun Yi
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chun-Hui Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qing-Yuan Sun
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Wei-Ping Qian
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
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5
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Shapiro JG, Changela N, Jang JK, Joshi JN, McKim KS. Distinct checkpoint and homolog biorientation pathways regulate meiosis I in Drosophila oocytes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.08.21.608908. [PMID: 39229242 PMCID: PMC11370425 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.21.608908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
Mitosis and meiosis have two mechanisms for regulating the accuracy of chromosome segregation: error correction and the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC). We have investigated the function of several checkpoint proteins in meiosis I of Drosophila oocytes. Evidence of a SAC response by several of these proteins is found upon depolymerization of microtubules by colchicine. However, unattached kinetochores or errors in biorientation of homologous chromosomes does not induce a SAC response. Furthermore, the metaphase I arrest does not depend on SAC genes, suggesting the APC is inhibited even if the SAC is silenced. Two SAC proteins, ROD of the ROD-ZW10-Zwilch (RZZ) complex and MPS1, are also required for the biorientation of homologous chromosomes during meiosis I, suggesting an error correction function. Both proteins aid in preventing or correcting erroneous attachments and depend on SPC105R for localization to the kinetochore. We have defined a region of SPC105R, amino acids 123-473, that is required for ROD localization and biorientation of homologous chromosomes at meiosis I. Surprisingly, ROD removal, or "streaming", is independent of the dynein adaptor Spindly and is not linked to the stabilization of end-on attachments. Instead, meiotic RZZ streaming appears to depend on cell cycle stage and may be regulated independently of kinetochore attachment or biorientation status. We also show that dynein adaptor Spindly is also required for biorientation at meiosis I, and surprisingly, the direction of RZZ streaming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanatta G Shapiro
- Waksman Institute and Department of Genetics, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Neha Changela
- Waksman Institute and Department of Genetics, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Janet K Jang
- Waksman Institute and Department of Genetics, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Jay N Joshi
- Waksman Institute and Department of Genetics, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Kim S McKim
- Waksman Institute and Department of Genetics, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
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6
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Chen S, Sun Q, Yao B, Ren Y. The Molecular Mechanism of Aurora-B Regulating Kinetochore-Microtubule Attachment in Mitosis and Oocyte Meiosis. Cytogenet Genome Res 2024; 164:69-77. [PMID: 39068909 DOI: 10.1159/000540588] [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: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aurora kinase B (Aurora-B), a member of the chromosomal passenger complex, is involved in correcting kinetochore-microtubule (KT-MT) attachment errors and regulating sister chromatid condensation and cytoplasmic division during mitosis. SUMMARY However, few reviews have discussed its mechanism in oocyte meiosis and the differences between its role in mitosis and meiosis. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the localization, recruitment, activation, and functions of Aurora-B in mitosis and oocyte meiosis. The accurate regulation of Aurora-B is essential for ensuring accurate chromosomal segregation and correct KT-MT attachments. Aurora-B regulates the stability of KT-MT attachments by competing with cyclin-dependent kinase 1 to control the phosphorylation of the SILK and RVSF motifs on kinetochore scaffold 1 and by competing with protein phosphatase 1 to influence the phosphorylation of NDC80 which is the substrate of Aurora-B. In addition, Aurora-B regulates the spindle assembly checkpoint by promoting the recruitment and activation of mitotic arrest deficient 2. KEY MESSAGES This review provides a theoretical foundation for elucidating the mechanism of cell division and understanding oocyte chromosomal aneuploidy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Preclinical Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China,
| | - Qiqi Sun
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Preclinical Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Bo Yao
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Preclinical Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Yanping Ren
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Preclinical Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
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7
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Horakova A, Konecna M, Anger M. Chromosome Division in Early Embryos-Is Everything under Control? And Is the Cell Size Important? Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2101. [PMID: 38396778 PMCID: PMC10889803 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Chromosome segregation in female germ cells and early embryonic blastomeres is known to be highly prone to errors. The resulting aneuploidy is therefore the most frequent cause of termination of early development and embryo loss in mammals. And in specific cases, when the aneuploidy is actually compatible with embryonic and fetal development, it leads to severe developmental disorders. The main surveillance mechanism, which is essential for the fidelity of chromosome segregation, is the Spindle Assembly Checkpoint (SAC). And although all eukaryotic cells carry genes required for SAC, it is not clear whether this pathway is active in all cell types, including blastomeres of early embryos. In this review, we will summarize and discuss the recent progress in our understanding of the mechanisms controlling chromosome segregation and how they might work in embryos and mammalian embryos in particular. Our conclusion from the current literature is that the early mammalian embryos show limited capabilities to react to chromosome segregation defects, which might, at least partially, explain the widespread problem of aneuploidy during the early development in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adela Horakova
- Department of Genetics and Reproductive Biotechnologies, Veterinary Research Institute, 621 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Science, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marketa Konecna
- Department of Genetics and Reproductive Biotechnologies, Veterinary Research Institute, 621 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Science, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Anger
- Department of Genetics and Reproductive Biotechnologies, Veterinary Research Institute, 621 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Science, 277 21 Libechov, Czech Republic
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8
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Leem J, Lee C, Choi DY, Oh JS. Distinct characteristics of the DNA damage response in mammalian oocytes. Exp Mol Med 2024; 56:319-328. [PMID: 38355825 PMCID: PMC10907590 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-024-01178-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA damage is a critical threat that poses significant challenges to all cells. To address this issue, cells have evolved a sophisticated molecular and cellular process known as the DNA damage response (DDR). Among the various cell types, mammalian oocytes, which remain dormant in the ovary for extended periods, are particularly susceptible to DNA damage. The occurrence of DNA damage in oocytes can result in genetic abnormalities, potentially leading to infertility, birth defects, and even abortion. Therefore, understanding how oocytes detect and repair DNA damage is of paramount importance in maintaining oocyte quality and preserving fertility. Although the fundamental concept of the DDR is conserved across various cell types, an emerging body of evidence reveals striking distinctions in the DDR between mammalian oocytes and somatic cells. In this review, we highlight the distinctive characteristics of the DDR in oocytes and discuss the clinical implications of DNA damage in oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyeon Leem
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Crystal Lee
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Da Yi Choi
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Jeong Su Oh
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea.
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9
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Mihajlović AI, Byers C, Reinholdt L, FitzHarris G. Spindle assembly checkpoint insensitivity allows meiosis-II despite chromosomal defects in aged eggs. EMBO Rep 2023; 24:e57227. [PMID: 37795949 PMCID: PMC10626445 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202357227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromosome segregation errors in mammalian oocyte meiosis lead to developmentally compromised aneuploid embryos and become more common with advancing maternal age. Known contributors include age-related chromosome cohesion loss and spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) fallibility in meiosis-I. But how effective the SAC is in meiosis-II and how this might contribute to age-related aneuploidy is unknown. Here, we developed genetic and pharmacological approaches to directly address the function of the SAC in meiosis-II. We show that the SAC is insensitive in meiosis-II oocytes and that as a result misaligned chromosomes are randomly segregated. Whilst SAC ineffectiveness in meiosis-II is not age-related, it becomes most prejudicial in oocytes from older females because chromosomes that prematurely separate by age-related cohesion loss become misaligned in meiosis-II. We show that in the absence of a robust SAC in meiosis-II these age-related misaligned chromatids are missegregated and lead to aneuploidy. Our data demonstrate that the SAC fails to prevent cell division in the presence of misaligned chromosomes in oocyte meiosis-II, which explains how age-related cohesion loss can give rise to aneuploid embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Candice Byers
- The Institute for Experiential AI, Roux InstituteNortheastern UniversityPortlandMEUSA
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10
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MacKenzie A, Vicory V, Lacefield S. Meiotic cells escape prolonged spindle checkpoint activity through kinetochore silencing and slippage. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1010707. [PMID: 37018287 PMCID: PMC10109492 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
To prevent chromosome mis-segregation, a surveillance mechanism known as the spindle checkpoint delays the cell cycle if kinetochores are not attached to spindle microtubules, allowing the cell additional time to correct improper attachments. During spindle checkpoint activation, checkpoint proteins bind the unattached kinetochore and send a diffusible signal to inhibit the anaphase promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C). Previous work has shown that mitotic cells with depolymerized microtubules can escape prolonged spindle checkpoint activation in a process called mitotic slippage. During slippage, spindle checkpoint proteins bind unattached kinetochores, but the cells cannot maintain the checkpoint arrest. We asked if meiotic cells had as robust of a spindle checkpoint response as mitotic cells and whether they also undergo slippage after prolonged spindle checkpoint activity. We performed a direct comparison between mitotic and meiotic budding yeast cells that signal the spindle checkpoint through two different assays. We find that the spindle checkpoint delay is shorter in meiosis I or meiosis II compared to mitosis, overcoming a checkpoint arrest approximately 150 minutes earlier in meiosis than in mitosis. In addition, cells in meiosis I escape spindle checkpoint signaling using two mechanisms, silencing the checkpoint at the kinetochore and through slippage. We propose that meiotic cells undertake developmentally-regulated mechanisms to prevent persistent spindle checkpoint activity to ensure the production of gametes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne MacKenzie
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Victoria Vicory
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Soni Lacefield
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States of America
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11
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Kincade JN, Hlavacek A, Akera T, Balboula AZ. Initial spindle positioning at the oocyte center protects against incorrect kinetochore-microtubule attachment and aneuploidy in mice. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadd7397. [PMID: 36800430 PMCID: PMC9937575 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.add7397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Spindle positioning within the oocyte must be tightly regulated. In mice, the spindle is predominantly assembled at the oocyte center before its migration toward the cortex to achieve the highly asymmetric division, a characteristic of female meiosis. The significance of the initial central positioning of the spindle is largely unknown. We show that initial spindle positioning at the oocyte center is an insurance mechanism to avoid the premature exposure of the spindle to cortical CDC42 signaling, which perturbs proper kinetochore-microtubule attachments, leading to the formation of aneuploid gametes. These findings contribute to understanding why female gametes are notoriously associated with high rates of aneuploidy, the leading genetic cause of miscarriage and congenital abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica N. Kincade
- Animal Sciences Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Avery Hlavacek
- Animal Sciences Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Takashi Akera
- Cell and Developmental Biology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ahmed Z. Balboula
- Animal Sciences Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
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12
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KYOGOKU H, KITAJIMA TS. The large cytoplasmic volume of oocyte. J Reprod Dev 2023; 69:1-9. [PMID: 36436912 PMCID: PMC9939283 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2022-101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of the size of cells and organelles has a long history, dating back to the 1600s when cells were defined. In particular, various methods have elucidated the size of the nucleus and the mitotic spindle in several species. However, little research has been conducted on oocyte size and organelles in mammals, and many questions remain to be answered. The appropriate size is essential to cell function properly. Oocytes have a very large cytoplasm, which is more than 100 times larger than that of general somatic cells in mammals. In this review, we discuss how oocytes acquire an enormous cytoplasmic size and the adverse effects of a large cytoplasmic size on cellular functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirohisa KYOGOKU
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Kobe 657-8501, Japan,Laboratory for Chromosome Segregation, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Tomoya S KITAJIMA
- Laboratory for Chromosome Segregation, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
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13
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MacKenzie A, Vicory V, Lacefield S. Meiotic Cells Escape Prolonged Spindle Checkpoint Activity Through Premature Silencing and Slippage. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.02.522494. [PMID: 36711621 PMCID: PMC9881877 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.02.522494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
To prevent chromosome mis-segregation, a surveillance mechanism known as the spindle checkpoint delays the cell cycle if kinetochores are not attached to spindle microtubules, allowing the cell additional time to correct improper attachments. During spindle checkpoint activation, checkpoint proteins bind the unattached kinetochore and send a diffusible signal to inhibit the anaphase promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C). Previous work has shown that mitotic cells with depolymerized microtubules can escape prolonged spindle checkpoint activation in a process called mitotic slippage. During slippage, spindle checkpoint proteins bind unattached kinetochores, but the cells cannot maintain the checkpoint arrest. We asked if meiotic cells had as robust of a spindle checkpoint response as mitotic cells and whether they also undergo slippage after prolonged spindle checkpoint activity. We performed a direct comparison between mitotic and meiotic budding yeast cells that signal the spindle checkpoint due to a lack of either kinetochore-microtubule attachments or due to a loss of tension-bearing attachments. We find that the spindle checkpoint is not as robust in meiosis I or meiosis II compared to mitosis, overcoming a checkpoint arrest approximately 150 minutes earlier in meiosis. In addition, cells in meiosis I escape spindle checkpoint signaling using two mechanisms, silencing the checkpoint at the kinetochore and through slippage. We propose that meiotic cells undertake developmentally-regulated mechanisms to prevent persistent spindle checkpoint activity to ensure the production of gametes. AUTHOR SUMMARY Mitosis and meiosis are the two major types of cell divisions. Mitosis gives rise to genetically identical daughter cells, while meiosis is a reductional division that gives rise to gametes. Cell cycle checkpoints are highly regulated surveillance mechanisms that prevent cell cycle progression when circumstances are unfavorable. The spindle checkpoint promotes faithful chromosome segregation to safeguard against aneuploidy, in which cells have too many or too few chromosomes. The spindle checkpoint is activated at the kinetochore and then diffuses to inhibit cell cycle progression. Although the checkpoint is active in both mitosis and meiosis, most studies involving checkpoint regulation have been performed in mitosis. By activating the spindle checkpoint in both mitosis and meiosis in budding yeast, we show that cells in meiosis elicit a less persistent checkpoint signal compared to cells in mitosis. Further, we show that cells use distinct mechanisms to escape the checkpoint in mitosis and meiosis I. While cells in mitosis and meiosis II undergo anaphase onset while retaining checkpoint proteins at the kinetochore, cells in meiosis I prematurely lose checkpoint protein localization at the kinetochore. If the mechanism to remove the checkpoint components from the kinetochore is disrupted, meiosis I cells can still escape checkpoint activity. Together, these results highlight that cell cycle checkpoints are differentially regulated during meiosis to avoid long delays and to allow gametogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne MacKenzie
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN USA
| | - Victoria Vicory
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN USA
| | - Soni Lacefield
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN USA,Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH USA,To whom correspondence should be addressed to Soni Lacefield:
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14
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Charalambous C, Webster A, Schuh M. Aneuploidy in mammalian oocytes and the impact of maternal ageing. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2023; 24:27-44. [PMID: 36068367 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-022-00517-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
During fertilization, the egg and the sperm are supposed to contribute precisely one copy of each chromosome to the embryo. However, human eggs frequently contain an incorrect number of chromosomes - a condition termed aneuploidy, which is much more prevalent in eggs than in either sperm or in most somatic cells. In turn, aneuploidy in eggs is a leading cause of infertility, miscarriage and congenital syndromes. Aneuploidy arises as a consequence of aberrant meiosis during egg development from its progenitor cell, the oocyte. In human oocytes, chromosomes often segregate incorrectly. Chromosome segregation errors increase in women from their mid-thirties, leading to even higher levels of aneuploidy in eggs from women of advanced maternal age, ultimately causing age-related infertility. Here, we cover the two main areas that contribute to aneuploidy: (1) factors that influence the fidelity of chromosome segregation in eggs of women from all ages and (2) factors that change in response to reproductive ageing. Recent discoveries reveal new error-causing pathways and present a framework for therapeutic strategies to extend the span of female fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Charalambous
- Department of Meiosis, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Alexandre Webster
- Department of Meiosis, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Melina Schuh
- Department of Meiosis, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany.
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15
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Yun Y, Lee S, So C, Manhas R, Kim C, Wibowo T, Hori M, Hunter N. Oocyte Development and Quality in Young and Old Mice following Exposure to Atrazine. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2022; 130:117007. [PMID: 36367780 PMCID: PMC9651182 DOI: 10.1289/ehp11343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Egg development has unique features that render it vulnerable to environmental perturbation. The herbicide atrazine is an endocrine disruptor shown to have detrimental effects on reproduction across several vertebrate species. OBJECTIVES This study was designed to determine whether exposure to low levels of atrazine impairs meiosis in female mammals, using a mouse model; in particular, the study's researchers sought to determine whether and how the fidelity of oocyte chromosome segregation may be affected and whether aging-related aneuploidy is exacerbated. METHODS Female C57BL/6J mice were exposed to two levels of atrazine in drinking water: The higher level equaled aqueous saturation, and the lower level corresponded to detected environmental contamination. To model developmental exposure, atrazine was ingested by pregnant females at 0.5 d post coitum and continued until pups were weaned at 21 d postpartum. For adult exposure, 2-month-old females ingested atrazine for 3 months. Following exposure, various indicators of oocyte development and quality were determined, including: a) chromosome synapsis and crossing over in fetal oocytes using immunofluorescence staining of prophase-I chromosome preparations; b) sizes of follicle pools in sectioned ovaries; c) efficiencies of in vitro fertilization and early embryogenesis; d) chromosome alignment and segregation in cultured oocytes; e) chromosomal errors in metaphase-I and -II (MI and MII) preparations; and f) sister-chromatid cohesion via immunofluorescence intensity of cohesin subunit REC8 on MI-chromosome preparations, and measurement of interkinetochore distances in MII preparations. RESULTS Mice exposed to atrazine during development showed slightly higher levels of defects in chromosome synapsis, but sizes of initial follicle pools were indistinguishable from controls. However, although more eggs were ovulated, oocyte quality was lower. At the chromosome level, frequencies of spindle misalignment and numerical and structural abnormalities were greater at both meiotic divisions. In vitro fertilization was less efficient, and there were more apoptotic cells in blastocysts derived from eggs of atrazine-exposed females. Similar levels of chromosomal defects were seen in oocytes following both developmental and adult exposure regimens, suggesting quiescent primordial follicles may be a consequential target of atrazine. An important finding was that defects were observed long after exposure was terminated. Moreover, chromosomally abnormal eggs were very frequent in older mice, implying that atrazine exposure during development exacerbates effects of maternal aging on oocyte quality. Indeed, analogous to the effects of maternal age, weaker cohesion between sister chromatids was observed in oocytes from atrazine-exposed animals. CONCLUSION Low-level atrazine exposure caused persistent changes to the female mammalian germline in mice, with potential consequences for reproductive lifespan and congenital disease. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11343.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yun
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Sunkyung Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Christina So
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Rushali Manhas
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Carol Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Tabitha Wibowo
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Michael Hori
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Neil Hunter
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
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16
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Wu T, Gu H, Luo Y, Wang L, Sang Q. Meiotic defects in human oocytes: Potential causes and clinical implications. Bioessays 2022; 44:e2200135. [PMID: 36207289 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202200135] [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: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Meiotic defects cause abnormal chromosome segregation leading to aneuploidy in mammalian oocytes. Chromosome segregation is particularly error-prone in human oocytes, but the mechanisms behind such errors remain unclear. To explain the frequent chromosome segregation errors, recent investigations have identified multiple meiotic defects and explained how these defects occur in female meiosis. In particular, we review the causes of cohesin exhaustion, leaky spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC), inherently unstable meiotic spindle, fragmented kinetochores or centromeres, abnormal aurora kinases (AURK), and clinical genetic variants in human oocytes. We mainly focus on meiotic defects in human oocytes, but also refer to the potential defects of female meiosis in mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyu Wu
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Gu
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuxi Luo
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Sang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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17
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Meng TG, Lei WL, Lu X, Liu XY, Ma XS, Nie XQ, Zhao ZH, Li QN, Huang L, Hou Y, Ouyang YC, Li L, Tang TS, Schatten H, Xie W, Gao SR, Ou XH, Wang ZB, Sun QY. Maternal EHMT2 is essential for homologous chromosome segregation by regulating Cyclin B3 transcription in oocyte meiosis. Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18:4513-4531. [PMID: 35864958 PMCID: PMC9295060 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.75298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
During oocyte growth, various epigenetic modifications are gradually established, accompanied by accumulation of large amounts of mRNAs and proteins. However, little is known about the relationship between epigenetic modifications and meiotic progression. Here, by using Gdf9-Cre to achieve oocyte-specific ablation of Ehmt2 (Euchromatic-Histone-Lysine-Methyltransferase 2) from the primordial follicle stage, we found that female mutant mice were infertile. Oocyte-specific knockout of Ehmt2 caused failure of homologous chromosome separation independent of persistently activated SAC during the first meiosis. Further studies revealed that lacking maternal Ehmt2 affected the transcriptional level of Ccnb3, while microinjection of exogenous Ccnb3 mRNA could partly rescue the failure of homologous chromosome segregation. Of particular importance was that EHMT2 regulated ccnb3 transcriptions by regulating CTCF binding near ccnb3 gene body in genome in oocytes. In addition, the mRNA level of Ccnb3 significantly decreased in the follicles microinjected with Ctcf siRNA. Therefore, our findings highlight the novel function of maternal EHMT2 on the metaphase I-to-anaphase I transition in mouse oocytes: regulating the transcription of Ccnb3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tie-Gang Meng
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510317, China.,State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Wen-Long Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xukun Lu
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China.,Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Liu
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Xue-Shan Ma
- The Affiliated Tai'an City Central Hospital of Qingdao University, Taian, Shandong, 271000, China
| | - Xiao-Qing Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Zheng-Hui Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Qian-Nan Li
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510317, China.,State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Lin Huang
- Center for Clinical Medicine Research, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 6460000, China
| | - Yi Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Ying-Chun Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Lei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Tie-Shan Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Heide Schatten
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Wei Xie
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China.,Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Shao-Rong Gao
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Xiang-Hong Ou
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510317, China
| | - Zhen-Bo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Qing-Yuan Sun
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510317, China.,State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
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18
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Weiss JD, McVey SL, Stinebaugh SE, Sullivan CF, Dawe RK, Nannas NJ. Frequent Spindle Assembly Errors Require Structural Rearrangement to Complete Meiosis in Zea mays. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084293. [PMID: 35457112 PMCID: PMC9031645 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The success of an organism is contingent upon its ability to faithfully pass on its genetic material. In the meiosis of many species, the process of chromosome segregation requires that bipolar spindles be formed without the aid of dedicated microtubule organizing centers, such as centrosomes. Here, we describe detailed analyses of acentrosomal spindle assembly and disassembly in time-lapse images, from live meiotic cells of Zea mays. Microtubules organized on the nuclear envelope with a perinuclear ring structure until nuclear envelope breakdown, at which point microtubules began bundling into a bipolar form. However, the process and timing of spindle assembly was highly variable, with frequent assembly errors in both meiosis I and II. Approximately 61% of cells formed incorrect spindle morphologies, with the most prevalent being tripolar spindles. The erroneous spindles were actively rearranged to bipolar through a coalescence of poles before proceeding to anaphase. Spindle disassembly occurred as a two-state process with a slow depolymerization, followed by a quick collapse. The results demonstrate that maize meiosis I and II spindle assembly is remarkably fluid in the early assembly stages, but otherwise proceeds through a predictable series of events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodi D. Weiss
- Department of Biology, Hamilton College, Clinton, NY 13323, USA; (J.D.W.); (S.L.M.); (S.E.S.); (C.F.S.)
| | - Shelby L. McVey
- Department of Biology, Hamilton College, Clinton, NY 13323, USA; (J.D.W.); (S.L.M.); (S.E.S.); (C.F.S.)
| | - Sarah E. Stinebaugh
- Department of Biology, Hamilton College, Clinton, NY 13323, USA; (J.D.W.); (S.L.M.); (S.E.S.); (C.F.S.)
| | - Caroline F. Sullivan
- Department of Biology, Hamilton College, Clinton, NY 13323, USA; (J.D.W.); (S.L.M.); (S.E.S.); (C.F.S.)
| | - R. Kelly Dawe
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA;
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Natalie J. Nannas
- Department of Biology, Hamilton College, Clinton, NY 13323, USA; (J.D.W.); (S.L.M.); (S.E.S.); (C.F.S.)
- Correspondence:
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19
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Yue W, Wang Y, Meng T, Zhang H, Zhang X, Ouyang Y, Hou Y, Schatten H, Wang Z, Sun Q. Kinetochore scaffold 1 regulates SAC function during mouse oocyte meiotic maturation. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22210. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101586rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Yue Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology Nanjing Agricultural University Nanjing China
| | - Tie‐Gang Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Hong‐Yong Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University‐The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center Shenzhen China
| | - Xin‐Ran Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Ying‐Chun Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Yi Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Heide Schatten
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology University of Missouri Columbia Missouri USA
| | - Zhen‐Bo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Qing‐Yuan Sun
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Guangdong‐Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory Reproductive Medicine Center Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital Guangzhou China
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20
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Blengini CS, Schindler K. Acentriolar spindle assembly in mammalian female meiosis and the consequences of its perturbations on human reproduction. Biol Reprod 2021; 106:253-263. [PMID: 34791041 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of meiosis is to generate developmentally competent, haploid gametes with the correct number of chromosomes. For reasons not completely understood, female meiosis is more prone to chromosome segregation errors than meiosis in males, leading to an abnormal number of chromosomes, or aneuploidy, in gametes. Meiotic spindles are the cellular machinery essential for the proper segregation of chromosomes. One unique feature of spindle structures in female meiosis is spindles poles that lack centrioles. The process of building a meiotic spindle without centrioles is complex and requires precise coordination of different structural components, assembly factors, motor proteins, and signaling molecules at specific times and locations to regulate each step. In this review, we discuss the basics of spindle formation during oocyte meiotic maturation focusing on mouse and human studies. Finally, we review different factors that could alter the process of spindle formation and its stability. We conclude with a discussion of how different assisted reproductive technologies (ART) could affect spindles and the consequences these perturbations may have for subsequent embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia S Blengini
- Rutgers University, Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
| | - Karen Schindler
- Rutgers University, Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
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21
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Blengini CS, Nguyen AL, Aboelenain M, Schindler K. Age-dependent integrity of the meiotic spindle assembly checkpoint in females requires Aurora kinase B. Aging Cell 2021; 20:e13489. [PMID: 34704342 PMCID: PMC8590096 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A hallmark of advanced maternal age is a significant increase in meiotic chromosome segregation errors, resulting in early miscarriages and congenital disorders. These errors most frequently occur during meiosis I (MI). The spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) prevents chromosome segregation errors by arresting the cell cycle until proper chromosome alignment is achieved. Unlike in mitosis, the SAC in oocytes is desensitized, allowing chromosome segregation in the presence of improperly aligned chromosomes. Whether SAC integrity further deteriorates with advancing maternal age, and if this decline contributes to increased segregation errors remains a fundamental question. In somatic cells, activation of the SAC depends upon Aurora kinase B (AURKB), which functions to monitor kinetochore–microtubule attachments and recruit SAC regulator proteins. In mice, oocyte‐specific deletion of AURKB (Aurkb cKO) results in an increased production of aneuploid metaphase II‐arrested eggs and premature age‐related infertility. Here, we aimed to understand the cause of the short reproductive lifespan and hypothesized that SAC integrity was compromised. In comparing oocytes from young and sexually mature Aurkb cKO females, we found that SAC integrity becomes compromised rapidly with maternal age. We show that the increased desensitization of the SAC is driven by reduced expression of MAD2, ZW10 and Securin proteins, key contributors to the SAC response pathway. The reduced expression of these proteins is the result of altered protein homeostasis, likely caused by the accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Taken together, our results demonstrate a novel function for AURKB in preserving the female reproductive lifespan possibly by protecting oocytes from oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia S. Blengini
- Department of Genetics; Rutgers The State University of New Jersey Piscataway NJ USA
- Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey Piscataway NJ USA
| | - Alexandra L. Nguyen
- Department of Genetics; Rutgers The State University of New Jersey Piscataway NJ USA
- Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey Piscataway NJ USA
| | - Mansour Aboelenain
- Department of Genetics; Rutgers The State University of New Jersey Piscataway NJ USA
- Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey Piscataway NJ USA
- Department of Theriogenology Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Mansoura University Mansoura Egypt
| | - Karen Schindler
- Department of Genetics; Rutgers The State University of New Jersey Piscataway NJ USA
- Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey Piscataway NJ USA
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22
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Balboula AZ, Schindler K, Kotani T, Kawahara M, Takahashi M. Vitrification-induced activation of lysosomal cathepsin B perturbs spindle assembly checkpoint function in mouse oocytes. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 26:689-701. [PMID: 32634244 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
As the age of child-bearing increases and correlates with infertility, cryopreservation of female gametes is becoming common-place in ART. However, the developmental competence of vitrified oocytes has remained low. The underlying mechanisms responsible for reduced oocyte quality post-vitrification are largely unknown. Mouse cumulus-oocyte complexes were vitrified using a cryoloop technique and a mixture of dimethylsulphoxide, ethylene glycol and trehalose as cryoprotectants. Fresh and vitrified/thawed oocytes were compared for chromosome alignment, spindle morphology, kinetochore-microtubule attachments, spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) and aneuploidy. Although the majority of vitrified oocytes extruded the first polar body (PB), they had a significant increase of chromosome misalignment, abnormal spindle formation and aneuploidy at metaphase II. In contrast to controls, vitrified oocytes extruded the first PB in the presence of nocodazole and etoposide, which should induce metaphase I arrest in a SAC-dependent manner. The fluorescence intensity of mitotic arrest deficient 2 (MAD2), an essential SAC protein, at kinetochores was reduced in vitrified oocytes, indicating that the SAC is weakened after vitrification/thawing. Furthermore, we found that vitrification-associated stress disrupted lysosomal function and stimulated cathepsin B activity, with a subsequent activation of caspase 3. MAD2 localization and SAC function in vitrified oocytes were restored upon treatment with a cathepsin B or a caspase 3 inhibitor. This study was conducted using mouse oocytes, therefore confirming these results in human oocytes is a prerequisite before applying these findings in IVF clinics. Here, we uncovered underlying molecular pathways that contribute to an understanding of how vitrification compromises oocyte quality. Regulating these pathways will be a step toward improving oocyte quality post vitrification and potentially increasing the efficiency of the vitrification program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Z Balboula
- Division of Animal Sciences, Animal Sciences Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.,Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Reproduction, Graduate school of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido 060-8589, Japan.,Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Karen Schindler
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Tomoya Kotani
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
| | - Manabu Kawahara
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Reproduction, Graduate school of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido 060-8589, Japan
| | - Masashi Takahashi
- Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido 060-8589, Japan.,Global Station for Food, Land and Water Resources, Global Institution for Collaborative Research and Education (GI-CoRE), Hokkaido 060-0815, Japan
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Distinct classes of lagging chromosome underpin age-related oocyte aneuploidy in mouse. Dev Cell 2021; 56:2273-2283.e3. [PMID: 34428397 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Chromosome segregation errors that cause oocyte aneuploidy increase in frequency with maternal age and are considered a major contributing factor of age-related fertility decline in females. Lagging anaphase chromosomes are a common age-associated phenomenon in oocytes, but whether anaphase laggards actually missegregate and cause aneuploidy is unclear. Here, we show that lagging chromosomes in mouse oocytes comprise two mechanistically distinct classes of chromosome motion that we refer to as "class-I" and "class-II" laggards. We use imaging approaches and mechanistic interventions to dissociate the two classes and find that whereas class-II laggards are largely benign, class-I laggards frequently directly lead to aneuploidy. Most notably, a controlled prolongation of meiosis I specifically lessens class-I lagging to prevent aneuploidy. Our data thus reveal lagging chromosomes to be a cause of age-related aneuploidy in mouse oocytes and suggest that manipulating the cell cycle could increase the yield of useful oocytes in some contexts.
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Anger M, Radonova L, Horakova A, Sekach D, Charousova M. Impact of Global Transcriptional Silencing on Cell Cycle Regulation and Chromosome Segregation in Early Mammalian Embryos. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9073. [PMID: 34445775 PMCID: PMC8396661 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22169073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The onset of an early development is, in mammals, characterized by profound changes of multiple aspects of cellular morphology and behavior. These are including, but not limited to, fertilization and the merging of parental genomes with a subsequent transition from the meiotic into the mitotic cycle, followed by global changes of chromatin epigenetic modifications, a gradual decrease in cell size and the initiation of gene expression from the newly formed embryonic genome. Some of these important, and sometimes also dramatic, changes are executed within the period during which the gene transcription is globally silenced or not progressed, and the regulation of most cellular activities, including those mentioned above, relies on controlled translation. It is known that the blastomeres within an early embryo are prone to chromosome segregation errors, which might, when affecting a significant proportion of a cell within the embryo, compromise its further development. In this review, we discuss how the absence of transcription affects the transition from the oocyte to the embryo and what impact global transcriptional silencing might have on the basic cell cycle and chromosome segregation controlling mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Anger
- Central European Institute of Technology, Department of Genetics and Reproduction, Veterinary Research Institute, 621 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (L.R.); (A.H.); (D.S.); (M.C.)
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25
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Wu T, Lane SIR, Morgan SL, Tang F, Jones KT. Loss of centromeric RNA activates the spindle assembly checkpoint in mammalian female meiosis I. J Cell Biol 2021; 220:212548. [PMID: 34379093 PMCID: PMC8360762 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202011153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The repetitive sequences of DNA centromeric regions form the structural basis for kinetochore assembly. Recently they were found to be transcriptionally active in mitosis, with their RNAs providing noncoding functions. Here we explore the role, in mouse oocytes, of transcripts generated from within the minor satellite repeats. Depletion of minor satellite transcripts delayed progression through meiosis I by activation of the spindle assembly checkpoint. Arrested oocytes had poorly congressed chromosomes, and centromeres were frequently split by microtubules. Thus, we have demonstrated that the centromeric RNA plays a specific role in female meiosis I compared with mitosis and is required for maintaining the structural integrity of centromeres. This may contribute to the high aneuploidy rates observed in female meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyu Wu
- Department of Central Laboratory, Clinical Laboratory, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Simon I R Lane
- Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Stephanie L Morgan
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Feng Tang
- Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Keith T Jones
- Genome Damage and Stability Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
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26
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Thomas C, Wetherall B, Levasseur MD, Harris RJ, Kerridge ST, Higgins JMG, Davies OR, Madgwick S. A prometaphase mechanism of securin destruction is essential for meiotic progression in mouse oocytes. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4322. [PMID: 34262048 PMCID: PMC8280194 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24554-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful cell division relies on the timely removal of key cell cycle proteins such as securin. Securin inhibits separase, which cleaves the cohesin rings holding chromosomes together. Securin must be depleted before anaphase to ensure chromosome segregation occurs with anaphase. Here we find that in meiosis I, mouse oocytes contain an excess of securin over separase. We reveal a mechanism that promotes excess securin destruction in prometaphase I. Importantly, this mechanism relies on two phenylalanine residues within the separase-interacting segment (SIS) of securin that are only exposed when securin is not bound to separase. We suggest that these residues facilitate the removal of non-separase-bound securin ahead of metaphase, as inhibiting this period of destruction by mutating both residues causes the majority of oocytes to arrest in meiosis I. We further propose that cellular securin levels exceed the amount an oocyte is capable of removing in metaphase alone, such that the prometaphase destruction mechanism identified here is essential for correct meiotic progression in mouse oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Thomas
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. .,Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Gottingen, Germany.
| | - Benjamin Wetherall
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Mark D Levasseur
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Rebecca J Harris
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Scott T Kerridge
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jonathan M G Higgins
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Owen R Davies
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Institute of Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Suzanne Madgwick
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
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27
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Tatum NJ, Endicott JA. Chatterboxes: the structural and functional diversity of cyclins. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2020; 107:4-20. [PMID: 32414682 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2020.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Proteins of the cyclin family have divergent sequences and execute diverse roles within the cell while sharing a common fold: the cyclin box domain. Structural studies of cyclins have played a key role in our characterization and understanding of cellular processes that they control, though to date only ten of the 29 CDK-activating cyclins have been structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography or cryo-electron microscopy with or without their cognate kinases. In this review, we survey the available structures of human cyclins, highlighting their molecular features in the context of their cellular roles. We pay particular attention to how cyclin activity is regulated through fine control of degradation motif recognition and ubiquitination. Finally, we discuss the emergent roles of cyclins independent of their roles as cyclin-dependent protein kinase activators, demonstrating the cyclin box domain to be a versatile and generalized scaffolding domain for protein-protein interactions across the cellular machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie J Tatum
- Cancer Research UK Newcastle Drug Discovery Unit, Newcastle Centre for Cancer, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
| | - Jane A Endicott
- Cancer Research UK Newcastle Drug Discovery Unit, Newcastle Centre for Cancer, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, United Kingdom.
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28
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Mikwar M, MacFarlane AJ, Marchetti F. Mechanisms of oocyte aneuploidy associated with advanced maternal age. MUTATION RESEARCH. REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH 2020; 785:108320. [PMID: 32800274 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2020.108320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
It is well established that maternal age is associated with a rapid decline in the production of healthy and high-quality oocytes resulting in reduced fertility in women older than 35 years of age. In particular, chromosome segregation errors during meiotic divisions are increasingly common and lead to the production of oocytes with an incorrect number of chromosomes, a condition known as aneuploidy. When an aneuploid oocyte is fertilized by a sperm it gives rise to an aneuploid embryo that, except in rare situations, will result in a spontaneous abortion. As females advance in age, they are at higher risk of infertility, miscarriage, or having a pregnancy affected by congenital birth defects such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18), and Turner syndrome (monosomy X). Here, we review the potential molecular mechanisms associated with increased chromosome segregation errors during meiosis as a function of maternal age. Our review shows that multiple exogenous and endogenous factors contribute to the age-related increase in oocyte aneuploidy. Specifically, the weight of evidence indicates that recombination failure, cohesin deterioration, spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) disregulation, abnormalities in post-translational modification of histones and tubulin, and mitochondrial dysfunction are the leading causes of oocyte aneuploidy associated with maternal aging. There is also growing evidence that dietary and other bioactive interventions may mitigate the effect of maternal aging on oocyte quality and oocyte aneuploidy, thereby improving fertility outcomes. Maternal age is a major concern for aneuploidy and genetic disorders in the offspring in the context of an increasing proportion of mothers having children at increasingly older ages. A better understanding of the mechanisms associated with maternal aging leading to aneuploidy and of intervention strategies that may mitigate these detrimental effects and reduce its occurrence are essential for preventing abnormal reproductive outcomes in the human population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myy Mikwar
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Nutrition Research Division, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amanda J MacFarlane
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Nutrition Research Division, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Francesco Marchetti
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Mechanistic Studies Division, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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Chronic cadmium exposure causes oocyte meiotic arrest by disrupting spindle assembly checkpoint and maturation promoting factor. Reprod Toxicol 2020; 96:141-149. [PMID: 32574675 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2020.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is a bioaccumulative heavy metal element with potential toxicity on the female reproductive system, but the exact molecular mechanisms have not yet been clearly defined. In this study, female mice were exposed to 0.5 mg/kg/day of CdCl2 for 60 consecutive days. We found that chronic Cd exposure significantly decreased the fecundity of female mice by affecting oocyte meiotic progression as indicated by disrupted spindle assembly, chromosome alignment and kinetochore-microtubule attachments, consequently resulting in aneuploid oocytes. Further studies showed that the periodic fluctuations of MPF activity and cyclin B1 expression were disturbed in Cd-exposed oocytes probably by affecting the spindle assembly checkpoint protein Bub3. In addition, Cd exposure induced oxidative stress as indicated by an increased level of reactive oxygen species and apoptosis in oocytes, leading to oocyte quality deterioration. Taken together, these data suggest that Cd exposure causes disrupted molecular events of meiotic progression and deterioration of oocyte quality via oxidative stress, leading to decrease of female fertility.
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Prc1-rich kinetochores are required for error-free acentrosomal spindle bipolarization during meiosis I in mouse oocytes. Nat Commun 2020; 11:2652. [PMID: 32461611 PMCID: PMC7253481 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16488-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Acentrosomal meiosis in oocytes represents a gametogenic challenge, requiring spindle bipolarization without predefined bipolar cues. While much is known about the structures that promote acentrosomal microtubule nucleation, less is known about the structures that mediate spindle bipolarization in mammalian oocytes. Here, we show that in mouse oocytes, kinetochores are required for spindle bipolarization in meiosis I. This process is promoted by oocyte-specific, microtubule-independent enrichment of the antiparallel microtubule crosslinker Prc1 at kinetochores via the Ndc80 complex. In contrast, in meiosis II, cytoplasm that contains upregulated factors including Prc1 supports kinetochore-independent pathways for spindle bipolarization. The kinetochore-dependent mode of spindle bipolarization is required for meiosis I to prevent chromosome segregation errors. Human oocytes, where spindle bipolarization is reportedly error prone, exhibit no detectable kinetochore enrichment of Prc1. This study reveals an oocyte-specific function of kinetochores in acentrosomal spindle bipolarization in mice, and provides insights into the error-prone nature of human oocytes. Oocyte meiosis must achieve spindle bipolarization without predefined spatial cues. Yoshida et al. demonstrate that spindle bipolarization during meiosis I in mouse oocytes requires kinetochores to prevent chromosome segregation errors, a phenomenon that does not occur in error-prone human oocytes.
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31
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Rémillard-Labrosse G, Dean NL, Allais A, Mihajlović AI, Jin SG, Son WY, Chung JT, Pansera M, Henderson S, Mahfoudh A, Steiner N, Agapitou K, Marangos P, Buckett W, Ligeti-Ruiter J, FitzHarris G. Human oocytes harboring damaged DNA can complete meiosis I. Fertil Steril 2020; 113:1080-1089.e2. [PMID: 32276763 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether human oocytes possess a checkpoint to prevent completion of meiosis I when DNA is damaged. DESIGN DNA damage is considered a major threat to the establishment of healthy eggs and embryos. Recent studies found that mouse oocytes with damaged DNA can resume meiosis and undergo germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD), but then arrest in metaphase of meiosis I in a process involving spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) signaling. Such a mechanism could help prevent the generation of metaphase II (MII) eggs with damaged DNA. Here, we compared the impact of DNA-damaging agents with nondamaged control samples in mouse and human oocytes. SETTING University-affiliated clinic and research center. PATIENT(S) Patients undergoing ICSI cycles donated GV-stage oocytes after informed consent; 149 human oocytes were collected over 2 years (from 50 patients aged 27-44 years). INTERVENTIONS(S) Mice and human oocytes were treated with DNA-damaging drugs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Oocytes were monitored to evaluate GVBD and polar body extrusion (PBE), in addition to DNA damage assessment with the use of γH2AX antibodies and confocal microscopy. RESULT(S) Whereas DNA damage in mouse oocytes delays or prevents oocyte maturation, most human oocytes harboring experimentally induced DNA damage progress through meiosis I and subsequently form an MII egg, revealing the absence of a DNA damage-induced SAC response. Analysis of the resulting MII eggs revealed damaged DNA and chaotic spindle apparatus, despite the oocyte appearing morphologically normal. CONCLUSION(S) Our data indicate that experimentally induced DNA damage does not prevent PBE in human oocytes and can persist in morphologically normal looking MII eggs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicola L Dean
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Adélaïde Allais
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Aleksandar I Mihajlović
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Département d'Obstétrique-Gynécologie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Shao Guang Jin
- Reproductive Centre, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Weon-Young Son
- Reproductive Centre, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jin-Tae Chung
- Reproductive Centre, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Melissa Pansera
- Reproductive Centre, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sara Henderson
- Reproductive Centre, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Alina Mahfoudh
- Reproductive Centre, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Naama Steiner
- Reproductive Centre, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Kristy Agapitou
- Department of Applications and Technology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece; Institute of Life Fertility Unit, IASO Maternity Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Petros Marangos
- Department of Applications and Technology, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece; Department of Biomedical Research, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology-Foundation for Research and Technology, Ioannina, Greece
| | - William Buckett
- Reproductive Centre, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jacob Ligeti-Ruiter
- Reproductive Centre, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Greg FitzHarris
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Département d'Obstétrique-Gynécologie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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Zhou C, Miao Y, Cui Z, ShiYang X, Zhang Y, Xiong B. The cohesin release factor Wapl interacts with Bub3 to govern SAC activity in female meiosis I. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eaax3969. [PMID: 32284991 PMCID: PMC7141834 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aax3969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
During mitotic prophase, cohesins are removed from chromosome arms by Wapl to ensure faithful sister chromatid separation. However, during female meiosis I, the resolution of chiasmata requires the proteolytic cleavage of cohesin subunit Rec8 along chromosome arms by Separase to separate homologs, and thus the role of Wapl remained unknown. Here, we report that Wapl functions as a regulator of spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) to prevent aneuploidy in meiosis I. Depletion of Wapl accelerates meiotic progression, inactivates SAC, and causes meiotic defects such as aberrant spindle/chromosome structure and incorrect kinetochore-microtubule (K-MT) attachment, consequently leading to aneuploid eggs. Notably, we identify Bub3 as a binding partner of Wapl by immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry analysis. We further determine that Wapl controls the SAC activity by maintaining Bub3 protein level and document that exogenous Bub3 restores the normal meiosis in Wapl-depleted oocytes. Together, our findings uncover unique, noncanonical roles for Wapl in mediating control of the SAC in female meiosis I.
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Keating L, Touati SA, Wassmann K. A PP2A-B56-Centered View on Metaphase-to-Anaphase Transition in Mouse Oocyte Meiosis I. Cells 2020; 9:E390. [PMID: 32046180 PMCID: PMC7072534 DOI: 10.3390/cells9020390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Meiosis is required to reduce to haploid the diploid genome content of a cell, generating gametes-oocytes and sperm-with the correct number of chromosomes. To achieve this goal, two specialized cell divisions without intermediate S-phase are executed in a time-controlled manner. In mammalian female meiosis, these divisions are error-prone. Human oocytes have an exceptionally high error rate that further increases with age, with significant consequences for human fertility. To understand why errors in chromosome segregation occur at such high rates in oocytes, it is essential to understand the molecular players at work controlling these divisions. In this review, we look at the interplay of kinase and phosphatase activities at the transition from metaphase-to-anaphase for correct segregation of chromosomes. We focus on the activity of PP2A-B56, a key phosphatase for anaphase onset in both mitosis and meiosis. We start by introducing multiple roles PP2A-B56 occupies for progression through mitosis, before laying out whether or not the same principles may apply to the first meiotic division in oocytes, and describing the known meiosis-specific roles of PP2A-B56 and discrepancies with mitotic cell cycle regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonor Keating
- Mammalian Oocyte Meiosis (MOM) UMR7622, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Sorbonne Université, 75005 Paris, France; (L.K.); (S.A.T.)
- CNRS UMR7622 Developmental Biology Lab, Sorbonne Université, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Sandra A. Touati
- Mammalian Oocyte Meiosis (MOM) UMR7622, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Sorbonne Université, 75005 Paris, France; (L.K.); (S.A.T.)
- CNRS UMR7622 Developmental Biology Lab, Sorbonne Université, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Katja Wassmann
- Mammalian Oocyte Meiosis (MOM) UMR7622, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Sorbonne Université, 75005 Paris, France; (L.K.); (S.A.T.)
- CNRS UMR7622 Developmental Biology Lab, Sorbonne Université, 75005 Paris, France
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Li C, He X, Huang Z, Han L, Wu X, Li L, Xin Y, Ge J, Sha J, Yin Z, Wang Q. Melatonin ameliorates the advanced maternal age-associated meiotic defects in oocytes through the SIRT2-dependent H4K16 deacetylation pathway. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:1610-1623. [PMID: 31980591 PMCID: PMC7053624 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
It has been widely reported that advanced maternal age impairs oocyte quality. To date, various molecules have been discovered to be involved in this process. However, prevention of fertility issues associated with maternal age is still a challenge. In the present study, we find that both in vitro supplement and in vivo administration of melatonin are capable of alleviating the meiotic phenotypes of aged oocytes, specifically the spindle/chromosome disorganization and aneuploidy generation. Furthermore, we identify SIRT2 as a critical effector mediating the effects of melatonin on meiotic structure in old oocytes. Candidate screening shows that SIRT2-controlled deacetylation of histone H4K16 is essential for maintaining the meiotic apparatus in oocytes. Importantly, non-acetylatable-mimetic mutant H4K16R partially rescues the meiotic deficits in oocytes from reproductive aged mice. In contrast, overexpression of acetylation-mimetic mutant H4K16Q abolishes the beneficial effects of melatonin on the meiotic phenotypes in aged oocytes. To sum up, our data uncover that melatonin alleviates advanced maternal aged-associated meiotic defects in oocytes through the SIRT2-depenendet H4K16 deacetylation pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congyang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xi He
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhenyue Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Longsen Han
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinghan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ling Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yongan Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Juan Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiahao Sha
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhiqiang Yin
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Abstract
Chromosome segregation errors in human oocytes lead to aneuploid embryos that cause infertility and birth defects. Here we provide an overview of the chromosome-segregation process in the mammalian oocyte, highlighting mechanistic differences between oocytes and somatic cells that render oocytes so prone to segregation error. These differences include the extremely large size of the oocyte cytoplasm, the unique geometry of meiosis-I chromosomes, idiosyncratic function of the spindle assembly checkpoint, and dramatically altered oocyte cell-cycle control and spindle assembly, as compared to typical somatic cells. We summarise recent work suggesting that aging leads to a further deterioration in fidelity of chromosome segregation by impacting multiple components of the chromosome-segregation machinery. In addition, we compare and contrast recent results from mouse and human oocytes, which exhibit overlapping defects to differing extents. We conclude that the striking propensity of the oocyte to mis-segregate chromosomes reflects the unique challenges faced by the spindle in a highly unusual cellular environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandar I Mihajlović
- Centre Recherche CHUM and Department OBGYN, Université de Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Greg FitzHarris
- Centre Recherche CHUM and Department OBGYN, Université de Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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36
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Zhou C, Hancock JL, Khanna KK, Homer HA. First meiotic anaphase requires Cep55-dependent inhibitory cyclin-dependent kinase 1 phosphorylation. J Cell Sci 2019; 132:jcs.233379. [PMID: 31427428 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.233379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
During mitosis, anaphase is triggered by anaphase-promoting complex (APC)-mediated destruction of securin and cyclin B1, which leads to inactivation of cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1). By regulating APC activity, the mitotic spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) therefore has robust control over anaphase timing to prevent chromosome mis-segregation. Mammalian oocytes are prone to aneuploidy, the reasons for which remain obscure. In mitosis, Cep55 is required post-anaphase for the final steps of cytokinesis. We found that Cep55-depleted mouse oocytes progress normally through early meiosis I, but that anaphase I fails as a result of persistent Cdk1 activity. Unexpectedly, Cdk1 inactivation was compromised following Cep55 depletion, despite on-time SAC silencing and intact APC-mediated proteolysis. We found that impaired Cdk1 inactivation was caused by inadequate inhibitory Cdk1 phosphorylation consequent upon failure to suppress Cdc25 phosphatase, identifying a proteolysis-independent step necessary for anaphase I. Thus, the SAC in oocytes does not exert exclusive control over anaphase I initiation, providing new insight into vulnerability to error.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxi Zhou
- The Christopher Chen Oocyte Biology Research Laboratory, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Herston 4029, QLD, Australia
| | - Janelle L Hancock
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Kum Kum Khanna
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Hayden A Homer
- The Christopher Chen Oocyte Biology Research Laboratory, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Herston 4029, QLD, Australia
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Zhang M, Lu Y, Chen Y, Zhang Y, Xiong B. Insufficiency of melatonin in follicular fluid is a reversible cause for advanced maternal age-related aneuploidy in oocytes. Redox Biol 2019; 28:101327. [PMID: 31526949 PMCID: PMC6807363 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2019.101327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related decline in female fertility is a common feature that occurs in the fourth decade of women as a result of a reduction in both oocyte quality and quantity [1]. However, strategies to prevent the deterioration of maternal aged oocytes and relevant mechanisms are still underexplored. Here, we find that the reduced abundance of melatonin in the follicular fluid highly correlates with the advanced maternal age-related aneuploidy. Of note, we show that exposure of oocytes from aged mice both in vitro and in vivo to exogenous melatonin not only eliminates the accumulated reactive oxygen species-induced DNA damage and apoptosis, but also suppresses the occurrence of aneuploidy caused by spindle/chromosome defect that is frequently observed in aged oocytes. Importantly, we reveal that melatonin supplementation reverses the defective phenotypes in aged oocytes through a Sirt1/Sod2-dependent mechanism. Inhibition of Sirt1 activity abolishes the melatonin-mediated improvement of aged oocyte quality. Together our findings provide evidence that supplementation of melatonin is a feasible way to protect oocytes from advanced maternal age-related meiotic defects and aneuploidy, demonstrating the potential for improving the quality of oocytes from aged women and the efficiency of assisted reproductive technology. Melatonin abundance in the follicular fluid declines with age in the mouse. In vitro treatment of aged oocytes with melatonin eliminates the excessive ROS and reduces the occurrence of aneuploidy. In vivo administration of advanced-age mice with melatonin protects oocytes from spindle/chromosome defects and aneuploidy. Melatonin supplementation reverses the meiotic defects in aged oocytes through activation of Sirt1/Sod2 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mianqun Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Yajuan Lu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Ying Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Bo Xiong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
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Jin Y, Yang M, Gao C, Yue W, Liang X, Xie B, Zhu X, Fan S, Li R, Li M. Fbxo30 regulates chromosome segregation of oocyte meiosis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:2217-2229. [PMID: 30980108 PMCID: PMC11105211 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03038-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
As the female gamete, meiotic oocytes provide not only half of the genome but also almost all stores for fertilization and early embryonic development. Because de novo mRNA transcription is absent in oocyte meiosis, protein-level regulations, especially the ubiquitin proteasome system, are more crucial. As the largest family of ubiquitin E3 ligases, Skp1-Cullin-F-box complexes recognize their substrates via F-box proteins with substrate-selected specificity. However, the variety of F-box proteins and their unknown substrates hinder our understanding of their functions. In this report, we find that Fbxo30, a new member of F-box proteins, is enriched in mouse oocytes, and its expression level declines substantially after the metaphase of the first meiosis (MI). Notably, depletion of Fbxo30 causes significant chromosome compaction accompanied by chromosome segregation failure and arrest at the MI stage, and this arrest is not caused by over-activation of spindle assembly checkpoint. Using immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometric analysis, we identify stem-loop-binding protein (SLBP) as a novel substrate of Fbxo30. SLBP overexpression caused by Fbxo30 depletion results in a remarkable overload of histone H3 on chromosomes that excessively condenses chromosomes and inhibits chromosome segregation. Our finding uncovers an unidentified pathway-controlling chromosome segregation and cell progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimei Jin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Mo Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Chang Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Wei Yue
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xiaoling Liang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518036, China
| | - Bingteng Xie
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Shangrong Fan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518036, China
| | - Rong Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Mo Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China.
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Daldello EM, Luong XG, Yang CR, Kuhn J, Conti M. Cyclin B2 is required for progression through meiosis in mouse oocytes. Development 2019; 146:dev172734. [PMID: 30952665 PMCID: PMC6503990 DOI: 10.1242/dev.172734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cyclins associate with cyclin-dependent serine/threonine kinase 1 (CDK1) to generate the M phase-promoting factor (MPF) activity essential for progression through mitosis and meiosis. Although cyclin B1 (CCNB1) is required for embryo development, previous studies concluded that CCNB2 is dispensable for cell cycle progression. Given previous findings of high Ccnb2 mRNA translation rates in prophase-arrested oocytes, we re-evaluated the role of this cyclin during meiosis. Ccnb2-/- oocytes underwent delayed germinal vesicle breakdown and showed defects during the metaphase-to-anaphase transition. This defective maturation was associated with compromised Ccnb1 and Moloney sarcoma oncogene (Mos) mRNA translation, delayed spindle assembly and increased errors in chromosome segregation. Given these defects, a significant percentage of oocytes failed to complete meiosis I because the spindle assembly checkpoint remained active and anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome function was inhibited. In vivo, CCNB2 depletion caused ovulation of immature oocytes, premature ovarian failure, and compromised female fecundity. These findings demonstrate that CCNB2 is required to assemble sufficient pre-MPF for timely meiosis re-entry and progression. Although endogenous cyclins cannot compensate, overexpression of CCNB1/2 rescues the meiotic phenotypes, indicating similar molecular properties but divergent modes of regulation of these cyclins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Maria Daldello
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Xuan G Luong
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Cai-Rong Yang
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Jonathan Kuhn
- Cell and Tissue Biology Department, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Marco Conti
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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40
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Schneider I, Ellenberg J. Mysteries in embryonic development: How can errors arise so frequently at the beginning of mammalian life? PLoS Biol 2019; 17:e3000173. [PMID: 30840627 PMCID: PMC6422315 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromosome segregation errors occur frequently during female meiosis but also in the first mitoses of mammalian preimplantation development. Such errors can lead to aneuploidy, spontaneous abortions, and birth defects. Some of the mechanisms underlying these errors in meiosis have been deciphered but which mechanisms could cause chromosome missegregation in the first embryonic cleavage divisions is mostly a “mystery”. In this article, we describe the starting conditions and challenges of these preimplantation divisions, which might impair faithful chromosome segregation. We also highlight the pending research to provide detailed insight into the mechanisms and regulation of preimplantation mitoses. Starting a new life is a challenging business. This Essay explores the changes at the oocyte-to-embryo transition to highlight the circumstances under which the very first and decisive — but ‘mysteriously’ error-prone — mitotic divisions occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabell Schneider
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
- Candidate for joint PhD degree between EMBL and Heidelberg University, Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jan Ellenberg
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
- * E-mail:
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41
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Lane S, Kauppi L. Meiotic spindle assembly checkpoint and aneuploidy in males versus females. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:1135-1150. [PMID: 30564841 PMCID: PMC6513798 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2986-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The production of gametes (sperm and eggs in mammals) involves two sequential cell divisions, meiosis I and meiosis II. In meiosis I, homologous chromosomes segregate to different daughter cells, and meiosis II resembles mitotic divisions in that sister chromatids separate. While in principle the process is identical in males and females, the time frame and susceptibility to chromosomal defects, including achiasmy and cohesion weakening, and the response to mis-segregating chromosomes are not. In this review, we compare and contrast meiotic spindle assembly checkpoint function and aneuploidy in the two sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Lane
- Department of Chemistry and the Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Building 85, Highfield Campus, Southampton, SO171BJ, UK
| | - Liisa Kauppi
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
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42
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Levasseur MD, Thomas C, Davies OR, Higgins JMG, Madgwick S. Aneuploidy in Oocytes Is Prevented by Sustained CDK1 Activity through Degron Masking in Cyclin B1. Dev Cell 2019; 48:672-684.e5. [PMID: 30745144 PMCID: PMC6416240 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2019.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Successful mitosis requires that cyclin B1:CDK1 kinase activity remains high until chromosomes are correctly aligned on the mitotic spindle. It has therefore been unclear why, in mammalian oocyte meiosis, cyclin B1 destruction begins before chromosome alignment is complete. Here, we resolve this paradox and show that mouse oocytes exploit an imbalance in the ratio of cyclin B1 to CDK1 to control CDK1 activity; early cyclin B1 destruction reflects the loss of an excess of non-CDK1-bound cyclin B1 in late prometaphase, while CDK1-bound cyclin B1 is destroyed only during metaphase. The ordered destruction of the two forms of cyclin B1 is brought about by a previously unidentified motif that is accessible in free cyclin B1 but masked when cyclin B1 is in complex with CDK1. This protects the CDK1-bound fraction from destruction in prometaphase, ensuring a period of prolonged CDK1 activity sufficient to achieve optimal chromosome alignment and prevent aneuploidy. In mouse oocytes, an excess of cyclin B1 preserves CDK1 activity A motif in non-CDK1-bound cyclin B1 confers preferential APC/C targeting Non-CDK1-bound cyclin B1 is gradually destroyed before CDK1-bound cyclin B1 Prolonged CDK1 activity assists the spindle checkpoint and prevents aneuploidy
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D Levasseur
- Cell Division Biology Group, Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Christopher Thomas
- Cell Division Biology Group, Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Owen R Davies
- Cell Division Biology Group, Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Jonathan M G Higgins
- Cell Division Biology Group, Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Suzanne Madgwick
- Cell Division Biology Group, Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK.
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43
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Karasu ME, Bouftas N, Keeney S, Wassmann K. Cyclin B3 promotes anaphase I onset in oocyte meiosis. J Cell Biol 2019; 218:1265-1281. [PMID: 30723090 PMCID: PMC6446836 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201808091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclins control the switch-like cell cycle transitions that orchestrate orderly duplication and segregation of genomes. Karasu et al. delineate an essential function for mouse cyclin B3 for anaphase onset in the first meiotic division of oocytes. Meiosis poses unique challenges because two rounds of chromosome segregation must be executed without intervening DNA replication. Mammalian cells express numerous temporally regulated cyclins, but how these proteins collaborate to control meiosis remains poorly understood. Here, we show that female mice genetically ablated for cyclin B3 are viable—indicating that the protein is dispensable for mitotic divisions—but are sterile. Mutant oocytes appear normal until metaphase I but then display a highly penetrant failure to transition to anaphase I. They arrest with hallmarks of defective anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) activation, including no separase activity, high CDK1 activity, and high cyclin B1 and securin levels. Partial APC/C activation occurs, however, as exogenously expressed APC/C substrates can be degraded. Cyclin B3 forms active kinase complexes with CDK1, and meiotic progression requires cyclin B3–associated kinase activity. Cyclin B3 homologues from frog, zebrafish, and fruit fly rescue meiotic progression in cyclin B3–deficient mouse oocytes, indicating conservation of the biochemical properties and possibly cellular functions of this germline-critical cyclin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet E Karasu
- Molecular Biology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY.,Louis V. Gerstner Jr. Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Nora Bouftas
- Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.,Developmental Biology Lab, Sorbonne Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR7622, Paris, France
| | - Scott Keeney
- Molecular Biology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY .,Louis V. Gerstner Jr. Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Katja Wassmann
- Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France .,Developmental Biology Lab, Sorbonne Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR7622, Paris, France
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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: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [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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Manil-Ségalen M, Łuksza M, Kanaan J, Marthiens V, Lane SIR, Jones KT, Terret ME, Basto R, Verlhac MH. Chromosome structural anomalies due to aberrant spindle forces exerted at gene editing sites in meiosis. J Cell Biol 2018; 217:3416-3430. [PMID: 30082296 PMCID: PMC6168266 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201806072] [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: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Acentrosomal spindle assembly in mouse oocytes depends on chromosomes and acentriolar microtubule-organizing centers (aMTOCs). Manil-Ségalen et al. observe that Plk4-induced perturbation of aMTOCs coupled to Cre-mediated gene editing generates fragile chromosomes that break when subjected to forces exerted by altered meiosis I spindles. Mouse female meiotic spindles assemble from acentriolar microtubule-organizing centers (aMTOCs) that fragment into discrete foci. These are further sorted and clustered to form spindle poles, thus providing balanced forces for faithful chromosome segregation. To assess the impact of aMTOC biogenesis on spindle assembly, we genetically induced their precocious fragmentation in mouse oocytes using conditional overexpression of Plk4, a master microtubule-organizing center regulator. Excessive microtubule nucleation from these fragmented aMTOCs accelerated spindle assembly dynamics. Prematurely formed spindles promoted the breakage of three different fragilized bivalents, generated by the presence of recombined Lox P sites. Reducing the density of microtubules significantly diminished the extent of chromosome breakage. Thus, improper spindle forces can lead to widely described yet unexplained chromosomal structural anomalies with disruptive consequences on the ability of the gamete to transmit an uncorrupted genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Manil-Ségalen
- Collège de France, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, UMR CNRS 7241/INSERM-U1050, Paris, France
| | - Małgorzata Łuksza
- Collège de France, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, UMR CNRS 7241/INSERM-U1050, Paris, France
| | - Joanne Kanaan
- Collège de France, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, UMR CNRS 7241/INSERM-U1050, Paris, France
| | - Véronique Marthiens
- Institut Curie, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR144, Biology of Centrosomes and Genetic Instability Laboratory, Paris, France
| | - Simon I R Lane
- Biological Science, Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Keith T Jones
- Biological Science, Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Marie-Emilie Terret
- Collège de France, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, UMR CNRS 7241/INSERM-U1050, Paris, France
| | - Renata Basto
- Institut Curie, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR144, Biology of Centrosomes and Genetic Instability Laboratory, Paris, France
| | - Marie-Hélène Verlhac
- Collège de France, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, UMR CNRS 7241/INSERM-U1050, Paris, France
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46
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Spindle tubulin and MTOC asymmetries may explain meiotic drive in oocytes. Nat Commun 2018; 9:2952. [PMID: 30054463 PMCID: PMC6063951 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-05338-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In the first meiotic division (MI) of oocytes, the cortically positioned spindle causes bivalent segregation in which only the centre-facing homologue pairs are retained. 'Selfish' chromosomes are known to exist, which bias their spindle orientation and hence retention in the egg, a process known as 'meiotic drive'. Here we report on this phenomenon in oocytes from F1 hybrid mice, where parental strain differences in centromere size allows distinction of the two homologue pairs of a bivalent. Bivalents with centromere and kinetochore asymmetry show meiotic drive by rotating during prometaphase, in a process dependent on aurora kinase activity. Cortically positioned homologue pairs appear to be under greater stretch than their centre-facing partners. Additionally the cortex spindle-half contain a greater density of tubulin and microtubule organising centres. A model is presented in which meiotic drive is explained by the impact of microtubule force asymmetry on chromosomes with different sized centromeres and kinetochores.
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47
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Regulation of the meiotic divisions of mammalian oocytes and eggs. Biochem Soc Trans 2018; 46:797-806. [PMID: 29934303 PMCID: PMC6103459 DOI: 10.1042/bst20170493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Revised: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Initiated by luteinizing hormone and finalized by the fertilizing sperm, the mammalian oocyte completes its two meiotic divisions. The first division occurs in the mature Graafian follicle during the hours preceding ovulation and culminates in an extreme asymmetric cell division and the segregation of the two pairs of homologous chromosomes. The newly created mature egg rearrests at metaphase of the second meiotic division prior to ovulation and only completes meiosis following a Ca2+ signal initiated by the sperm at gamete fusion. Here, we review the cellular events that govern the passage of the oocyte through meiosis I with a focus on the role of the spindle assembly checkpoint in regulating its timing. In meiosis II, we examine how the egg achieves its arrest and how the fertilization Ca2+ signal allows the initiation of embryo development.
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Conti M, Franciosi F. Acquisition of oocyte competence to develop as an embryo: integrated nuclear and cytoplasmic events. Hum Reprod Update 2018; 24:245-266. [PMID: 29432538 PMCID: PMC5907346 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmx040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 203] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects ~7% of couples of reproductive age with little change in incidence in the last two decades. ART, as well as other interventions, have made major strides in correcting this condition. However, and in spite of advancements in the field, the age of the female partner remains a main factor for a successful outcome. A better understanding of the final stages of gamete maturation yielding an egg that can sustain embryo development and a pregnancy to term remains a major area for improvement in the field. This review will summarize the major cellular and molecular events unfolding at the oocyte-to-embryo transition. We will provide an update on the most important processes/pathways currently understood as the basis of developmental competence, including the molecular processes involved in mRNA storage, its recruitment to the translational machinery, and its degradation. We will discuss the hypothesis that the translational programme of maternal mRNAs plays a key role in establishing developmental competence. These regulations are essential to assemble the machinery that is used to establish a totipotent zygote. This hypothesis further supports the view that embryogenesis begins during oogenesis. A better understanding of the events required for developmental competence will guide the development of novel strategies to monitor and improve the success rate of IVF. Using this information, it will be possible to develop new biomarkers that may be used to better predict oocyte quality and in selection of the best egg for IVF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Conti
- Department of OBGYN-RS, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143-0556, USA
| | - Federica Franciosi
- Department of OBGYN-RS, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143-0556, USA
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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: 0.4] [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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Marin D, Nguyen AL, Scott RT, Schindler K. Using Mouse Oocytes to Assess Human Gene Function During Meiosis I. J Vis Exp 2018. [PMID: 29708548 DOI: 10.3791/57442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic aneuploidy is the major genetic cause of infertility in humans. Most of these events originate during female meiosis, and albeit positively correlated with maternal age, age alone is not always predictive of the risk of generating an aneuploid embryo. Therefore, gene variants might account for incorrect chromosome segregation during oogenesis. Given that access to human oocytes is limited for research purposes, a series of assays were developed to study human gene function during meiosis I using mouse oocytes. First, messenger RNA (mRNA) of the gene and gene variant of interest are microinjected into prophase I-arrested mouse oocytes. After allowing time for expression, oocytes are synchronously released into meiotic maturation to complete meiosis I. By tagging the mRNA with a sequence of a fluorescent reporter, such as green fluorescent protein (Gfp), the localization of the human protein can be assessed in addition to the phenotypic alterations. For example, gain or loss of function can be investigated by establishing experimental conditions that challenge the gene product to fix meiotic errors. Although this system is advantageous in investigating human protein function during oogenesis, adequate interpretation of results should be undertaken given that protein expression is not at endogenous levels and, unless controlled for (i.e. knocked out or down), murine homologs are also present in the system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Marin
- IVI-RMA New Jersey; Jefferson College of Biomedical Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University
| | | | - Richard T Scott
- IVI-RMA New Jersey; Jefferson College of Biomedical Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University
| | - Karen Schindler
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey;
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