Oocyte-specific gene <i>Oog1</i> suppresses the expression of spermatogenesis-specific genes in oocytes

Abstract

Oog1, an oocyte-specific gene that encodes a protein of 425 amino acids, is present in five copies on mouse chromosomes 4 and 12. In mouse oocytes, Oog1 mRNA expression begins at embryonic day 15.5 and almost disappears by the late two-cell stage. Meanwhile, OOG1 protein is detectable in oocytes in ovarian cysts and disappears by the four-cell stage; the protein is transported to the nucleus in late one-cell to early two-cell stage embryos. In this study, we examined the role of Oog1 during oogenesis in mice. Oog1 RNAi-transgenic mice were generated by expressing double-stranded hairpin Oog1 RNA, which is processed into siRNAs targeting Oog1 mRNA. Quantitative RT-PCR revealed that the amount of Oog1 mRNA was dramatically reduced in oocytes obtained from Oog1-knockdown mice, whereas the abundance of spermatogenesis-associated transcripts (Klhl10, Tekt2, Tdrd6, and Tnp2) was increased in Oog1 knockdown ovaries. Tdrd6 is involved in the formation of the chromatoid body, Tnp2 contributes to the formation of sperm heads, Tekt2 is required for the formation of ciliary and flagellar microtubules, and Klhl10 plays a key role in the elongated sperm differentiation. These results indicate that Oog1 down-regulates the expression of spermatogenesis-associated genes in female germ cells, allowing them to develop normally into oocytes.

Comprehensive analysis of lymph nodes metastasis associated genes in cervical cancer and its significance in treatment and prognosis

“…TEKT2 belongs to Tektin family, which is important in cytoskeleton formation [ 12 ]. Several studies have reported its role in spermatogenesis [ 13 , 14 ]. However, its role in cervical cancer remains unclear.…”

A more accurate analysis of maternal effect genes by siRNA electroporation into mouse oocytes

“…Knockout and transgenic mice are frequently employed to analyze the function of maternal factors [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ]. However, these genetically modified techniques can be time-consuming and require the management of large numbers of animals.…”

Screening of functional maternal-specific chromatin regulators in early embryonic development

“…A few maternal-specific genes have been identified and shown to significantly impact early embryonic development. For example, in mouse embryogenesis, maternal-specific factors Zar1 7 and Npm2 8 play roles in the 1-2 cell embryo, and Mater 9 , Zfp36l2 10 , and Oog1 11 function in the 2-4 cell embryo, as well as Stella, which is involved in the morula development 12 . Several functional maternal-specific factors have been reported in zebrafish embryogenesis, including Foxr1 13 , Kpna7 14 , Slbp2 15 , Fue 16 , Plk1 17 , and Fhdc3 14 .…”