The molecular regulatory mechanisms of meiotic arrest and resumption in Oocyte development and maturation

Abstract

In human female primordial germ cells, the transition from mitosis to meiosis begins from the fetal stage. In germ cells, meiosis is arrested at the diplotene stage of prophase in meiosis I (MI) after synapsis and recombination of homologous chromosomes, which cannot be segregated. Within the follicle, the maintenance of oocyte meiotic arrest is primarily attributed to high cytoplasmic concentrations of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Depending on the specific species, oocytes can remain arrested for extended periods of time, ranging from months to even years. During estrus phase in animals or the menstrual cycle in humans, the resumption of meiosis occurs in certain oocytes due to a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. Any factor interfering with this process may lead to impaired oocyte maturation, which in turn affects female reproductive function. Nevertheless, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon has not been systematically summarized yet. To provide a comprehensive understanding of the recently uncovered regulatory network involved in oocyte development and maturation, the progress of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of oocyte nuclear maturation including meiosis arrest and meiosis resumption is summarized. Additionally, the advancements in understanding the molecular cytoplasmic events occurring in oocytes, such as maternal mRNA degradation, posttranslational regulation, and organelle distribution associated with the quality of oocyte maturation, are reviewed. Therefore, understanding the pathways regulating oocyte meiotic arrest and resumption will provide detailed insight into female reproductive system and provide a theoretical basis for further research and potential approaches for novel disease treatments.

Transgenerational Epigenetic DNA Methylation Editing and Human Disease

“…In males, acquisition of sex-specific DNAme occurs at 13.5 dpc forward, but female PGC DNAme patterns emerge after birth [12,66]. Specialized recombination will follow, allowing the separation of the diploid genome to haploid states as germ cells mature through meiosis [68][69][70][71]. Pre-implantation stages of DNA demethylation overview: Prior to fertilization, the male genome is at its highest level of CpG DNAme (~90%), and the female genome is near 40% DNAme [72].…”

Histone Lactylation Is Involved in Mouse Oocyte Maturation and Embryo Development

“…The process of oocyte maturation is a unique form of cell division that sets it apart from mitosis. It represents the reactivation and culmination of the initial meiotic division [1]. Oocytes remain in a state of arrest at the germinal vesicle (GV) stage for many years.…”