Elucidation of the mechanism behind interruption of metaphase I in oocytes

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26712022
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (A)
• Allocation Type: Partial Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Animal production science
• Research Institution: Hiroshima University (2015-2016); Tohoku University (2014)
• Principal Investigator: HOSHINO YUMI 広島大学, 生物圏科学研究科, 助教 (10451551)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 卵子 / 第一減数分裂中期 / 紡錘体 / 染色体 / Pin1

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Mammalian oocytes mature in the ovary and ovulation occurs during the metaphase II stage, when the oocytes can be fertilized. It was recently reported that meiotic maturation is interrupted by factors such as aging, which hinders fertilization. To elucidate the reason why meiotic maturation stops in oocytes, in this study, we identified the key functional factor controlling meiotic maturation, and clarified that the proline isomerization enzyme Pin1 is indispensable for the progress of meiotic maturation. This information would help in the production of high-quality oocytes.

Free Research Field

農学