A Maternal Functional Module in the Mammalian Oocyte-To-Embryo Transition. Issue 11 (November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lu, Xukun; Gao, Zheng; Qin, Dandan; Li, Lei
• Is Part Of: Trends in molecular medicine. Volume 23:Issue 11(2017)
• Page Start: 1014
• Page End: 1023
• Publication Date: 2017-11
• Subjects: maternal functional module -- subcortical maternal complex (SCMC) -- maternal-effect genes -- oocyte-to-embryo transition -- early embryogenesis -- human reproduction; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Pathology, Molecular -- Periodicals; Physiology, Pathological -- Periodicals; 572.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2017.09.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-4914

Abstract

Abstract : Prior to zygotic genome activation, early mammalian development relies on maternal-effect genes to orchestrate the oocyte-to-embryo transition. Recently, a subcortical maternal complex (SCMC) was identified to be essential for mouse preimplantation development. The SCMC integrates multiple proteins encoded by maternal-effect genes and appears to be functionally conserved across mammalian species. In addition, mutations in human SCMC genes are associated with certain human reproductive disorders. Here, we highlight recent advances in the biology of the SCMC and propose that this complex may be a representative example of maternal functional modules in mammalian oocyte-to-embryo transition. These findings may provide further insights into the molecular regulation of mammalian early embryogenesis, with possible implications for human early embryonic development and reproduction medicine. Trends: Apart from the mitochondria, nucleoli, and various other individual maternal factors in the oocyte, the SCMC has been identified as an oocyte-to-embryo-specific protein complex, indispensable for the development of early mouse life. The SCMC comprises Mater, Filia, Floped, Tle6, Zbed3, Nlrp2, and possibly Padi6 and other proteins, in mice. All known components of the SCMC are encoded by maternal-effect genes. The SCMC orchestrates multiple developmental events during the mouse oocyte-to-embryo transition, including zygotic genome activation, F-actin dynamics, genome stability, organelle organization, and DNA methylation maintenance at imprinted loci. The SCMC is functionally conserved across mammals, including humans. Certain clinical human reproductive disorders are associated with mutations in SCMC genes. The SCMC acts as a representative example of maternal functional modules, providing an opportunity to better understand maternal control of early embryogenesis in mammals, especially humans.