Authors

Shao-Chen Sun, Ph.D., Wei-Wei Gao, M.S., Yong-Nan Xu, Ph.D., Yong-Xun Jin, Ph.D., Qing-Ling Wang, Ph.D., Xi-Jun Yin, Ph.D., Xiang-Shun Cui, Ph.D., Nam-Hyung Kim, Ph.D.

Volume 97, Issue 4, Pages 984-990

Abstract

Objective:

To investigate the molecular mechanism of mouse oocyte polarity loss during aging.

Design:

Experimental study.

Setting:

Academic basic research laboratory.

Animal(s):

Mice.

Intervention(s):

Oocytes were collected 16 hours after injection of hCG and cultured in M16 medium for an additional 14 hours with or without caffeine.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Expression and localizations of actin nucleators actin-related protein 2/3 complex, JMY, and WAVE2 were examined by immunofluorescence staining, and their messenger RNA levels were examined by real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction.

Result(s):

The protein and messenger RNA levels of actin-related protein 2/3 complex, JMY, and WAVE2 were decreased in aged oocytes, but the levels were normal in caffeine-treated aged oocytes.

Conclusion(s):

Our data indicated that the loss of oocyte polarity may be due to the degradation of actin nucleators in aged oocytes.

Read the full text at: http://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(12)00151-3/fulltext