Proteomic Profiling Reveals the Molecular Control of Maturation

Meiotic maturation is an intricate and precisely regulated process orchestrated by various pathways and numerous proteins. However, little is known about the proteome landscape during oocytes maturation. Here, we obtained the temporal proteomic profiles of mouse oocytes during in vivo maturation. We successfully quantified 4694 pro-teins from 4500 oocytes in three key stages (germinal vesicle, germinal vesicle breakdown, and metaphase II). In particular, we discovered the novel proteomic features during oocyte maturation, such as the active Skp1- Cullin-Fbox pathway and an increase in mRNA decay- related proteins. Using functional approaches, we further identified the key factors controlling the histone acetylation state in oocytes and the vital proteins modulating meiotic cell cycle. Taken together, our data serve as a broad resource on the dynamics occurring in oocyte proteome and provide important knowledge to better understand the molecular mechanisms during germ cell development.

Automated summary

In this study, the temporal proteomic profiles of mouse oocytes during in vivo maturation were obtained, revealing novel proteomic features and key factors controlling histone acetylation state and meiotic cell cycle in oocytes. A broad resource on the dynamics occurring in oocyte proteome was provided, contributing to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms during germ cell development.