Human MATER localization in specific cell domains of oocytes and follicular cells.
MATER (Maternal Antigen That Embryos Require) is an oocyte-specific protein dependent on the maternal genome and required for early embryonic development. The gene products expressed in oocytes play important roles in folliculogenesis, fertilization and pre-implantation development. The aim of this study was to characterize the localization and distribution pattern of the human MATER protein during follicular development and after ovulation, to determine its functional role. Immunocytochemistry experiments coupled with confocal and electron microscopy analysis were carried out to determine the ultrastructural localization of MATER in human ovarian tissue and in isolated oocytes, obtained during IVF procedures. Human cumulus cells were cultured, with or without cycloheximide, to confirm endogenous biosynthesis of the protein. Human MATER is detectable at the onset of the follicular maturation process, suggesting this protein has a role at earlier stages in the human compared with other mammalian species. The presence of MATER is specific to the oocyte and follicular cells that, during maturation, are spatially and functionally associated with the oocyte. The nuclear, nucleolar and mitochondrial localization hints at a possible role in RNA processing and the metabolic activity of the cell.
Sena
Paola
P
Department of Anatomy and Histology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Del Pozzo 71, 41100 Modena, Italy.
Riccio
Massimo
M
Marzona
Laura
L
Nicoli
Alessia
A
Marsella
Tiziana
T
Marmiroli
Sandra
S
Bertacchini
Jessika
J
Fano
Rita A
RA
La Sala
Giovanni B
GB
De Pol
Anto
A
D001324:Autoantigens / Q000378:metabolism*; D002466:Cell Nucleolus / Q000378:metabolism; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000378:metabolism; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005260:Female; D006107:Granulosa Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000378:metabolism; D024101:Mitochondrial Proteins; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; D009865:Oocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000166:cytology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D012323:RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional / Q000502:physiology; D013799:Theca Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D014018:Tissue Distribution
D001324:Autoantigens; D024101:Mitochondrial Proteins; C527221:NLRP5 protein, human; D009687:Nuclear Proteins