Septin 7 is required for orderly meiosis in mouse oocytes

Cell Cycle. 2012 Sep 1;11(17):3211-8. doi: 10.4161/cc.21553. Epub 2012 Aug 16.

Abstract

Septin 7 is a conserved GTP-binding protein. In this study, we examined the localization and functions of Septin 7 during mouse oocyte meiotic maturation. Immunofluorescent analysis showed that intrinsic Septin 7 localized to the spindles from the pro-MI stage to the MII stage. Knockdown of Septin 7 by siRNA microinjection caused abnormal spindles and affected extrusion of the first polar body. Septin 7 mRNA tagged with myc was injected into GV stage oocytes to overexpress Septin 7. Overexpressed Myc-Septin 7 localized to the spindle and beneath the plasma membrane displaying long filaments. Fluorescence intensity of spindle α-tubulin in myc-Septin 7-injected oocytes was weaker than that of the control group, demonstrating that Septin 7 may influence recruitment of α-tubulin to spindles. MII oocytes injected with myc-Septin 7 exhibited abnormal chromosome alignment, and parthenogenetic activation failed to allow extrusion of the second polar body, suggesting that overexpression of Septin 7 may affect extrusion of the polar body by disturbing the alignment of chromosomes and regulating α-tubulin recruitment to spindles. In summary, Septin 7 may regulate meiotic cell cycle progression by affecting microtubule cytoskeletal dynamics in mouse oocytes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Analysis of Variance
  • Animals
  • Chromosome Segregation / genetics
  • Chromosome Segregation / physiology*
  • Cytoskeleton / physiology*
  • DNA Primers / genetics
  • Gene Knockdown Techniques
  • Immunoblotting
  • Meiosis / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Microtubules / metabolism*
  • Microtubules / physiology
  • Oocytes / cytology*
  • Oocytes / metabolism
  • Oocytes / physiology
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics
  • Septins / genetics
  • Septins / metabolism*
  • Septins / physiology
  • Tubulin / metabolism

Substances

  • DNA Primers
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Tubulin
  • Sept7 protein, mouse
  • Septins