title: Human MATER localization in specific cell domains of oocytes and follicular cells.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy and Histology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Del Pozzo 71, 41100 Modena, Italy.
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sena
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Riccio
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Marzona
authors.forename: Alessia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nicoli
authors.forename: Tiziana
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Marsella
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Marmiroli
authors.forename: Jessika
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bertacchini
authors.forename: Rita A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Fano
authors.forename: Giovanni B
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: La Sala
authors.forename: Anto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: De Pol
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D001324:Autoantigens; D024101:Mitochondrial Proteins; C527221:NLRP5 protein, human; D009687:Nuclear Proteins