Biol Reprod
HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced]


     

BOR - Papers in Press, published online ahead of print February 7, 2007.
Biol Reprod 2007, 10.1095/biolreprod.106.057141
This Article
Right arrow Full Text
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow All Versions of this Article:
76/6/949    most recent
biolreprod.106.057141v1
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Right arrow Citation Map
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrow reprints & permissions
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Barrett, S. L.
Right arrow Articles by Albertini, D. F.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Barrett, S. L.
Right arrow Articles by Albertini, D. F.
Agricola
Right arrow Articles by Barrett, S. L.
Right arrow Articles by Albertini, D. F.
BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION 76, 949–957 (2007)
DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.106.057141
© 2007 by the Society for the Study of Reproduction, Inc.

research-article

Allocation of Gamma-Tubulin Between Oocyte Cortex and Meiotic Spindle Influences Asymmetric Cytokinesis in the Mouse Oocyte1

Susan L. Barrett 3 4, and David F. Albertini 2 4 5 6

Program in Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Biology,3 Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111 Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology,4 The Center for Reproductive Sciences,5 University of Kansas, Kansas City, Kansas 66160 Marine Biological Laboratory,6 Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543

ABSTRACT

In oocytes, asymmetric cytokinesis represents a conserved strategy for karyokinesis during meiosis to retain ooplasmic maternal factors needed after fertilization. Given the role of gamma-tubulin in cell cycle progression and microtubule dynamics, this study focused on gamma-tubulin as a key regulator of asymmetric cytokinesis in mouse oocytes. Gamma-tubulin properties were studied using multiple-label digital imaging, Western blots, quantitative RT-PCR, and microinjection strategies in mouse oocytes matured in vivo (IVO) or in vitro (IVM). Quantitative image analysis established that IVO oocytes extrude smaller first polar bodies (PBs), contain smaller spindles, and have more cytoplasmic microtubule organizing centers (MTOCs) relative to IVM oocytes. Maturation in culture was shown to alter gamma-tubulin distribution, as evidenced by incorporation throughout the meiotic spindle and within the first PB. Western blot analysis confirmed that total gamma-tubulin content remained elevated in IVM oocytes compared with IVO oocytes. Analysis of gamma-tubulin mRNA during maturation revealed fluctuations in IVO oocytes, whereas IVM oocytes maintained relatively stable at lower levels for the time points examined (0–16 h). Selective reduction of gamma-tubulin mRNA by injection of siRNA diminished both spindle and PB size, whereas overexpression of enhanced green fluorescent protein gamma-tubulin had the opposite effect. Together, these studies reinforce the notion that limiting gamma-tubulin availability during meiotic maturation ensures coordination of karyokinesis and cytokinesis and conservation of gamma-tubulin as an embryonic reserve.

cumulus cells,, follicle-stimulating hormone, meiosis, oocyte development, ovum

FOOTNOTES

1Supported by National Institutes of Health grant RO1-HD42076, the Eshe Fund, Serono Reproductive Biology Institute, and The Hall Family Foundation.

Correspondence: 2David F. Albertini, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160. FAX: 913 588 0456; e-mail: dalbertini{at}kumc.edu






HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
Copyright © 2007 by the Society for the Study of Reproduction.