Open AccessTranslational activation of maternally derived mRNAs in oocytes and early embryos and the role of embryonic poly(A) binding protein (EPAB)
Author(s) -
Ecem Esencan,
Amanda N. Kallen,
Man Zhang,
Emre Seli
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
biology of reproduction
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.366
H-Index - 180
eISSN - 1529-7268
pISSN - 0006-3363
DOI - 10.1093/biolre/ioz034
Subject(s) - biology , oocyte , xenopus , polyadenylation , microbiology and biotechnology , translational regulation , poly(a) binding protein , maternal to zygotic transition , untranslated region , messenger rna , embryo , oocyte activation , three prime untranslated region , translation (biology) , rna binding protein , embryogenesis , genetics , gene , zygote
Transcription ceases upon stimulation of oocyte maturation and gene expression during oocyte maturation, fertilization, and early cleavage relies on translational activation of maternally derived mRNAs. Two key mechanisms that mediate translation of mRNAs in oocytes have been described in detail: cytoplasmic polyadenylation-dependent and -independent. Both of these mechanisms utilize specific protein complexes that interact with cis-acting sequences located on 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR), and both involve embryonic poly(A) binding protein (EPAB), the predominant poly(A) binding protein during early development. While mechanistic details of these pathways have primarily been elucidated using the Xenopus model, their roles are conserved in mammals and targeted disruption of key regulators in mouse results in female infertility. Here, we provide a detailed account of the molecular mechanisms involved in translational activation during oocyte and early embryo development, and the role of EPAB in this process.