De novo synthesis of protein phosphatase 1A, magnesium dependent, alpha isoform (PPM1A) during oocyte maturation

Cell Mol Biol Lett. 2012 Sep;17(3):433-45. doi: 10.2478/s11658-012-0022-7. Epub 2012 Jun 5.

Abstract

Oocyte maturation in mammals is a multiple-stage process that generates fertilizable oocytes. Ovarian oocytes are arrested at prophase of the first meiotic division characterized by the presence of a germinal vesicle. Towards ovulation, the oocytes resume meiosis and proceed to the second metaphase in a process known as maturation; they undergo nuclear and cytoplasmic changes that are accompanied by translation and degradation of mRNA. Protein phosphatase 1A, magnesium dependent, alpha isoform (PPM1A), which belongs to the metal-dependent serine/threonine protein phosphatase family, is highly conserved during evolution. PPM1A plays a significant role in many cellular functions such as cell cycle progression, apoptosis and cellular differentiation. It works through diverse signaling pathways, including p38 MAP kinase JNK and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β). Herein we report that PPM1A is expressed in mouse oocytes and that its mRNA level rises during oocyte maturation. Using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blot analysis, we found that PPM1A mRNA is synthesized at the beginning of the maturation process and remains elevated in the mature oocytes, promoting the accumulation of PPM1A protein. Since PPM1A function is mainly affected by its level, we propose that it might have an important role in oocyte maturation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cumulus Cells / cytology
  • Cumulus Cells / metabolism
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
  • Granulosa Cells / cytology
  • Granulosa Cells / metabolism
  • Meiosis
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Oocytes / growth & development*
  • Oocytes / metabolism
  • Oogenesis*
  • Phosphoprotein Phosphatases* / biosynthesis
  • Phosphoprotein Phosphatases* / metabolism
  • Phosphoprotein Phosphatases* / physiology
  • Protein Phosphatase 2C
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism*

Substances

  • RNA, Messenger
  • Phosphoprotein Phosphatases
  • Ppm1a protein, mouse
  • Protein Phosphatase 2C