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The translational regulation of maternal mRNA s in time and space
Author(s) -
Winata Cecilia Lanny,
Korzh Vladimir
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
febs letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.593
H-Index - 257
eISSN - 1873-3468
pISSN - 0014-5793
DOI - 10.1002/1873-3468.13183
Subject(s) - polyadenylation , oocyte , microbiology and biotechnology , oogenesis , messenger rna , embryogenesis , biology , context (archaeology) , translational regulation , p bodies , embryo , cytoplasm , cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor , translation (biology) , genetics , gene , paleontology
Since their discovery, the study of maternal mRNA s has led to the identification of mechanisms underlying their spatiotemporal regulation within the context of oogenesis and early embryogenesis. Following synthesis in the oocyte, maternal mRNA s are translationally silenced and sequestered into storage in cytoplasmic granules. At the same time, their unique distribution patterns throughout the oocyte and embryo are tightly controlled and connected to their functions in downstream embryonic processes. At certain points in oogenesis and early embryogenesis, maternal mRNA s are translationally activated to perform their functions in a timely manner. The cytoplasmic polyadenylation machinery is responsible for the translational activation of maternal mRNA s, and its role in initiating the maternal to zygotic transition events has recently come to light. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on maternal mRNA regulation, with particular focus on cytoplasmic polyadenylation as a mechanism for translational regulation.