Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics

, Volume 32, Issue 4, pp 645–652 | Cite as

Expression and intracytoplasmic distribution of staufen and calreticulin in maturing human oocytes

  • L. De Santis
  • F. Gandolfi
  • G. Pennarossa
  • S. Maffei
  • E. Gismano
  • G. Intra
  • M. Candiani
  • T. A. L. Brevini
Gamete Biology
First Online:
Received:
Accepted:

Abstract

Purpose

In this study we hypothesized that the mRNA vector Staufen mediates RNA relocalization during meiotic maturation, and by virtue of its interactions with endoplasmic reticulum, provides a possible mechanism by which protein synthesis is regulated.

Methods

We assessed the expression of staufen (STAU) and calreticulin (CALR), the latter adopted as a marker of the endoplasmic reticulum, in human oocytes at different stages of maturation: GV, metaphase MI and MII. Oocytes were subjected to polymerase chain reaction in order to investigate the expression of STAU and CALR. The corresponding protein products were identified by immunofluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopy.

Results

STAU and CALR were constantly expressed and selectively localized during oocyte maturation. At the GV stage the both proteins displayed a dispersed distribution localization throughout the cytoplasm. Progressing to the MII stage, STAU tended to compartmentalize towards the cortical area of the oocyte clustering in granules of larger sizes. At the MII stage, CALR assumed a pattern reminiscent and possibly coincident with the position of the meiotic spindle.

Conclusions

The changing pattern of STAU distribution during meiotic maturation of human oocytes implicates a novel mechanism for the regulation of protein synthesis based on mRNA localization. Moreover, the unique disposition of CALR at the MII spindle uncovers a physical interaction with endoplasmic reticulum that may mediate cytoskeletal remodelling during oocyte maturation.

Keywords

Oocytes Oocyte maturation Staufen Calreticulin In vitro fertilization 
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Notes

Acknowledgments

F.G., G.P., S.M., and T.A.L.B. are members of the COST Action FA1201 Epiconcept: Epigenetics and Periconception environment. Part of the experiments are supported by Carraresi Foundation. L.D.S. thanks the “ Alembic” microscopy facility for supporting confocal analysis.

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Copyright information

© Springer Science+Business Media New York 2015

Authors and Affiliations

  • L. De Santis
    • 1
  • F. Gandolfi
    • 2
  • G. Pennarossa
    • 2
  • S. Maffei
    • 2
  • E. Gismano
    • 1
    • 3
  • G. Intra
    • 1
  • M. Candiani
    • 1
  • T. A. L. Brevini
    • 2
  1. 1.Department of Ob/Gyn IVF UnitSan Raffele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
  2. 2.Unistem Laboratory of Biomedical EmbryologyUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanItaly
  3. 3.Fertility CentreHomerton University Hospital NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK

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