Role of Xenopus p21-activated kinase 2 (X-PAK2) in polar body formation during oocyte maturation

Abstract

Vertebrate oocytes are physiologically arrested in meiotic prophase until shortly before ovulation. Under the influence of gonadotropic hormones, these oocytes resume meiosis and progress to metaphase II, in which they await fertilization. The transition from prophase to metaphase II is termed oocyte maturation. During oocyte maturation, no mRNA synthesis is detectable. Instead, active protein translation from maternal mRNAs and post-translation modification are required for oocyte maturation. However, these protein translational events are by and large not known. In this study, I have studied the potential role of such a translational event: de novo synthesis of a protein kinase termed pEg3. Prophase oocytes contain low levels of pEg3 protein. De novo synthesis of pEg3 protein is evident during oocyte maturation. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)