GSE160334
Single cell RNA-seq reveals mRNAs and lncRNAs important for oocyte meiosis and maturation in pigs
The faithful execution of molecular program underlying oocyte maturation and meiosis is vital to generate competent haploid gametes for effective reproduction in mammals. However, the organization and principle of gene modules and molecular circuits for oocyte meiosis remain obscure. Here, we employed the recently developed single cell RNA-seq technique to profile the transcriptomes of germinal vesicle (GV) and metaphase II (MII) oocytes, aiming to discover the dynamic changes of mRNAs and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) during oocyte meiotic maturation. During the transition from GV to MII, total number of RNAs (mRNAs and lncRNAs) in oocytes decreased. Moreover, 1807 (602 up- and 1205 down-regulated) mRNAs and 313 (177 up- and 136 down-regulated) lncRNAs were significantly differentially expressed. During meiotic maturation, expression level of most mRNAs decreased, but mitochondrial RNAs, and also more lncRNAs and their target genes increased. Both DE mRNAs and lncRNAs were enriched in multiple biological and signal pathways potentially associated with oocyte meiosis. Highly abundantly expressed mRNAs (including DNMT1, UHRF2, PCNA, ARMC1, BTG4, ASNS and SEP11) and lncRNAs were also discovered. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) revealed 20 hub mRNAs, and three modules of contrasting functions in oocyte maturation and meiosis. Taken together, our findings provide insights and resources for further functional investigation of mRNAs/lncRNAs in mammalian oocyte meiosis and maturation. Overall design: The important lncRNAs and mRNAs in oocytes before and after meiosis