Topic: Accumulation of maternal factors in prophase-arrested mammalian oocytes

Speaker: Prof. Shiya Cheng

Time: 16:00-17:30 PM, 15 July (Monday), 2024

Venue: The Learning Studio (2F Lynn Library)

Introduction：

Impaired oogenesis is one of the major causes of human infertility. Oocytes accumulate a large number of cytoplasmic components, including mRNAs, proteins and different types of organelles, to support oocyte maturation and early embryonic development. Our research focuses on the accumulation and regulation of these maternal components. We combine state-of-the-art  imaging,  genetics,  biochemistry,  molecular  biology  and   multi-omics techniques to investigate the roles of these factors in oocyte maturation and early embryonic development, with the aim of elucidating the pathogenic mechanisms of infertility caused by abnormalities in these factors and thus exploring potential therapeutic approaches.

Abstract：

Mammalian oocytes are arrested in prophase for long periods of time. Prophase arrest is critical for reproduction, because it allows the oocyte sufficient time to grow in size and accumulate cytoplasmic components such as mRNAs, proteins and different types of organelles. These maternal factors are essential for oocyte meiotic maturation and early embryonic development. In this talk, I will present two new mechanisms that maintain oocyte prophase arrest. I will also talk about recent discoveries of where and how maternal cytoplasmic components are accumulated in oocytes during prophase arrest, in particular a novel structure named the mitochondrial-associated ribonucleoprotein domain (MARDO) for storing mRNAs in mammalian oocytes.