Degradation and translation of maternal mRNA for embryogenesis

Trends Genet. 2024 Jan 22:S0168-9525(23)00283-4. doi: 10.1016/j.tig.2023.12.008. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTMaternal mRNAs accumulate during egg growth and must be judiciously degraded or translated to ensure successful development of mammalian embryos. In this review we integrate recent investigations into pathways controlling rapid degradation of maternal mRNAs during the maternal-to-zygotic transition. Degradation is not indiscriminate, and some mRNAs are selectively protected and rapidly translated after fertilization for reprogramming the zygotic genome during early embryogenesis. Oocyte specific cofactors and pathways have been illustrated to control different futures of maternal mRNAs. We discuss mechanisms that control the fate of maternal mRNAs during late oogenesis and after fertilization. Issues to be resolved in current maternal mRNA research are described, and future research directions are proposed.PMID:38262796 | DOI:10.1016/j.tig.2023.12.008

Source: Trends in Genetics : TIG - January 23, 2024 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Guanghui Yang Qiliang Xin Jurrien Dean Source Type: research