GO:1903538 regulation of meiotic cell cycle process involved in oocyte maturation: Regulatory Mechanism, Genes, Functions and Research Methods
Research-grade guide for scientists and biopharma professionals
Key Takeaways
• GO:1903538 describes any process that modulates the frequency, rate or extent of the meiotic cell cycle process specifically during oocyte maturation.
• Meiotic arrest and resumption in oocytes are controlled by conserved signaling cascades, prominently cAMP/PKA and ERK1/2 MAPK pathways [1,7,8].
• Cyclins and CDKs drive progression through meiosis I and meiosis II, and their regulation is essential for correct oocyte maturation.
• ERK1/2 signaling regulates protein translation during oocyte meiosis, linking translational control to meiotic progression.
• Dysregulation of oocyte meiotic maturation is associated with aneuploidy, infertility, and poor assisted reproduction outcomes [2,3].
• CRISPR-based knockout, knock-in, and overexpression models enable causal testing of candidate regulators of GO:1903538 in oocytes and cell lines [4,6].
Description
Oocyte maturation is a tightly orchestrated developmental process in which a fully grown oocyte resumes meiosis, progresses from prophase I to metaphase I, and then arrests again at metaphase II until fertilization. The Gene Ontology term GO:1903538, regulation of meiotic cell cycle process involved in oocyte maturation, captures the regulatory inputs that control the timing, frequency, and extent of these meiotic events specifically in the maturing oocyte. This term is distinct from general meiotic cell cycle regulation because it is restricted to the oocyte maturation context, where arrest and resumption are controlled by both intrinsic and extrinsic signals [1,2]. Understanding GO:1903538 is important for reproductive biology and clinical embryology. Failures in meiotic resumption or progression can lead to oocyte immaturity, aneuploidy, and reduced fertilization potential, which are central challenges in assisted reproduction [2,3]. Single-cell proteomics of human oocytes during the GV-to-MI transition has revealed dynamic changes in proteins that regulate meiotic progression, underscoring the complexity of this regulatory term. Mechanistically, regulation of meiotic cell cycle process involved in oocyte maturation involves conserved kinase cascades, cyclin-CDK complexes, and translational control programs [1,5,7,8]. The ERK1/2 pathway is a key regulator of protein translation during oocyte meiosis, and its activity is required for proper meiotic progression [7,8]. In addition, PARP12 and PAPPA have been implicated in modulating oocyte meiotic maturation, illustrating the diversity of regulatory factors that fall under this GO term [4,6].
regulation of meiotic cell cycle process involved in oocyte maturation At A Glance
| GO ID | GO:1903538 |
|---|---|
| GO term | regulation of meiotic cell cycle process involved in oocyte maturation |
| Ontology | biological_process |
| Synonym | regulation of meiosis involved in oocyte maturation |
| Definition | Any process that modulates the frequency, rate or extent of meiotic cell cycle process involved in oocyte maturation. |
| Major function | Controls the timing and progression of meiosis during oocyte maturation, including meiotic arrest and resumption. |
| Key pathways | cAMP/PKA, ERK1/2 MAPK, cyclin-CDK, and translational control pathways [1,5,7,8]. |
| Associated processes | Oocyte maturation, meiotic resumption, GV-to-MI transition, and metaphase II arrest [1,3]. |
| Clinical relevance | Oocyte immaturity, aneuploidy, infertility, and assisted reproduction outcomes [2,3]. |
What Is GO:1903538?
GO:1903538 is defined as any process that modulates the frequency, rate or extent of a meiotic cell cycle process involved in oocyte maturation. In other words, it encompasses the regulatory mechanisms that control how often, how fast, and to what degree meiosis proceeds in an oocyte as it matures. This includes signaling events that maintain meiotic arrest, trigger meiotic resumption, and coordinate the progression through meiosis I and meiosis II in the oocyte.
Why Is regulation of meiotic cell cycle process involved in oocyte maturation Important in Cell Biology?
GO:1903538 is important because the regulation of meiotic cell cycle progression in oocytes directly determines whether an egg can mature correctly and support fertilization. Disruption of these regulatory processes leads to meiotic arrest, aneuploidy, and infertility, making this term a focal point for reproductive biology, clinical embryology, and assisted reproduction research [1,2,3].
• Controls the transition from meiotic arrest to resumption, a prerequisite for oocyte maturation.
• Regulates the GV-to-MI transition, which is critical for nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation.
• Influences oocyte quality and developmental competence.
• Dysregulation contributes to aneuploidy, a leading cause of miscarriage and congenital disorders.
• Provides mechanistic insight into infertility and poor IVF outcomes [2,3].
• ERK1/2 signaling within this term links translational control to meiotic progression [7,8].
• Cyclin-CDK regulation within this term ensures orderly progression through meiosis I and II.
• PARP12 and PAPPA are examples of diverse regulators that modulate oocyte meiotic maturation [4,6].
• Serves as a target for experimental interventions using CRISPR-based models [4,6].
• Relevant to reproductive aging and oocyte rescue strategies in ART.
What Happens During regulation of meiotic cell cycle process involved in oocyte maturation?
Maintenance of Meiotic Arrest
In simple terms: The oocyte is kept paused in meiosis until the right signal arrives.
Fully grown oocytes are arrested at prophase I (GV stage) by high intracellular cAMP levels that maintain PKA activity and keep CDK1 inactive. This arrest is essential for oocyte growth and acquisition of developmental competence. Regulation of meiotic cell cycle process involved in oocyte maturation includes the mechanisms that sustain this arrest until the oocyte is ready to resume meiosis.
Meiotic Resumption and GV Breakdown
In simple terms: A hormonal signal triggers the oocyte to restart meiosis and break down its nuclear envelope.
Luteinizing hormone (LH) or fertilization signals trigger a decrease in cAMP, leading to PKA inactivation, activation of CDK1-cyclin B, and germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD). This transition marks the resumption of meiosis and is a key regulated step within GO:1903538. Single-cell proteomics has revealed dynamic protein changes during the GV-to-MI transition in human oocytes.
Progression Through Meiosis I and Meiosis II
In simple terms: The oocyte goes through two rounds of cell division to produce a mature egg.
After GVBD, the oocyte progresses through meiosis I, extrudes the first polar body, and arrests at metaphase II until fertilization. Cyclins and CDKs regulate these transitions, and their proper control is essential for accurate chromosome segregation. ERK1/2 signaling also regulates protein translation during this period, supporting the meiotic program [7,8].
ERK1/2 Signaling and Translational Control
In simple terms: A signaling pathway controls protein production needed for meiosis to proceed.
The ERK1/2 MAPK pathway is a conserved regulator of oocyte maturation and controls protein translation during meiosis [7,8]. Its activity is required for spindle assembly, chromosome segregation, and maintenance of metaphase II arrest. This pathway is a core component of the regulation captured by GO:1903538 [7,8].
Additional Regulatory Factors
In simple terms: Other proteins also help fine-tune the timing of oocyte meiosis.
PARP12 regulates mouse oocyte meiotic maturation, and PAPPA plays a role in female reproduction, illustrating that multiple factors contribute to the regulation of meiotic cell cycle process involved in oocyte maturation [4,6]. These factors may act through distinct mechanisms to modulate meiotic progression.
Key Genes Involved in GO:1903538 regulation of meiotic cell cycle process involved in oocyte maturation
The following genes and proteins are experimentally implicated in the regulation of meiotic cell cycle process involved in oocyte maturation (GO:1903538).
| Gene | Major Role | Research Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| CDK1 | Catalytic subunit of maturation promoting factor (MPF); drives meiotic resumption and progression [1,5] | Core regulator of meiotic cell cycle; target for KO and point mutation studies [1,5] |
| CCNB1 | Regulatory cyclin B1; activates CDK1 for GVBD and meiosis I [1,5] | Essential for meiotic resumption; overexpression and KO models [1,5] |
| MAPK1 (ERK2) | ERK1/2 signaling; regulates translation and meiotic progression [7,8] | Conserved regulator; KO and knock-in studies in oocytes [7,8] |
| MAPK3 (ERK1) | ERK1/2 signaling; regulates translation and meiotic progression [7,8] | Conserved regulator; KO and knock-in studies in oocytes [7,8] |
| PARP12 | Regulates mouse oocyte meiotic maturation | Novel regulator; KO and overexpression models |
| PAPPA | Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A; role in female reproduction | Potential regulator of oocyte maturation; KO models |
| PKA (PRKACA) | Maintains meiotic arrest via cAMP signaling | Key arrest regulator; KO and point mutation studies |
| CDC25B | Phosphatase that activates CDK1 at meiotic resumption | Regulates MPF activation; KO and overexpression models |
| WEE1/MYT1 | Kinases that inhibit CDK1 to maintain arrest | Arrest maintenance; KO and point mutation studies |
| MOS | MAPK pathway activator in oocytes | Regulates ERK1/2; KO models |
| BUB1 | Spindle assembly checkpoint kinase | Chromosome segregation; KO and point mutation models |
| AURKA | Aurora kinase A; regulates spindle assembly | Meiotic spindle regulation; KO and overexpression models |
| PLK1 | Polo-like kinase 1; regulates meiotic progression | Cell cycle progression; KO and point mutation models |
| CCNB2 | Cyclin B2; regulates meiosis II | Meiosis II progression; KO and overexpression models |
| ESR1 | Estrogen receptor; modulates oocyte maturation | Hormonal regulation; KO models |
| IGF1R | Insulin-like growth factor receptor; supports oocyte maturation | Growth factor signaling; KO and knock-in models |
How Is regulation of meiotic cell cycle process involved in oocyte maturation Regulated?
Regulation of meiotic cell cycle process involved in oocyte maturation is controlled by multiple signaling pathways. The cAMP/PKA pathway maintains meiotic arrest, while a decrease in cAMP triggers resumption through CDK1 activation. ERK1/2 MAPK signaling regulates protein translation and meiotic progression [7,8]. Cyclin-CDK complexes provide the core engine for cell cycle transitions. Additionally, PARP12 and PAPPA have been identified as modulators of oocyte meiotic maturation [4,6]. These pathways are integrated to ensure the oocyte matures at the correct time and with high fidelity.
regulation of meiotic cell cycle process involved in oocyte maturation and Human Disease
| Gene | Disease / Biology | Potential Experimental Model |
|---|---|---|
| CDK1 | Oocyte immaturity and meiotic arrest | Knockout and point mutation in oocyte cell lines |
| MAPK1/MAPK3 | Aneuploidy and meiotic errors [7,8] | Knockout and knock-in in mouse oocytes [7,8] |
| PARP12 | Oocyte maturation defects | Knockout and overexpression in mouse oocytes |
| PAPPA | Female reproductive disorders | Knockout models in mice |
| CCNB1 | Meiotic resumption failure [1,5] | Knockout and overexpression in oocytes [1,5] |
Infertility and Oocyte Immaturity
Disruption of the regulatory processes described by GO:1903538 can lead to oocyte immaturity and failure to resume meiosis, which are direct causes of female infertility [1,2]. Clinical strategies to rescue immature oocytes aim to overcome these regulatory blocks, but challenges remain.
Aneuploidy and Miscarriage
Errors in meiotic progression regulation contribute to aneuploidy, a leading cause of miscarriage and congenital disorders. Proper ERK1/2 signaling and cyclin-CDK regulation are required for accurate chromosome segregation [5,7].
Assisted Reproduction Outcomes
Understanding GO:1903538 is relevant to IVF and ICSI outcomes, as oocyte maturation status directly affects fertilization and embryo development [2,3]. Single-cell proteomics of human oocytes during GV-to-MI transition provides biomarkers for maturation competence.
From regulation of meiotic cell cycle process involved in oocyte maturation-Related Genes to Experimental Models
| Research Question | Suitable Model |
|---|---|
| Is CDK1 required for meiotic resumption? | CRISPR knockout in oocyte cell lines or mouse oocytes |
| Does a specific point mutation in MAPK1 affect ERK signaling? | Point mutation knock-in in oocytes [7,8] |
| What is the effect of PARP12 overexpression on meiotic progression? | Overexpression in mouse oocytes |
| How does PAPPA loss affect female reproduction? | Knockout mouse model |
| Can a tagged cyclin B1 reveal its localization during meiosis? | Tagged knock-in in oocytes |
| Does ERK1/2 translational control require a specific phosphorylation site? | Point mutation knock-in in oocytes [7,8] |
How to Study the regulation of meiotic cell cycle process involved in oocyte maturation Process
| Method | What It Measures | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| Single-cell proteomics | Protein abundance in individual oocytes | GV-to-MI transition studies |
| Live-cell imaging | Spindle dynamics and GVBD [1,5] | Meiotic progression analysis [1,5] |
| CRISPR knockout screen | Gene requirement for meiotic maturation [4,6] | Discovery of novel regulators [4,6] |
| RNA-seq | Transcript abundance | Gene expression profiling during meiosis |
| Ribo-seq | Translation efficiency | ERK1/2 translational control studies |
| Western blot | Protein expression and phosphorylation [1,7] | Validation of signaling changes [1,7] |
| Immunofluorescence | Protein localization and spindle structure | Meiotic spindle assessment |
| CRISPR knock-in | Tagged protein localization and function | Dynamic studies of regulatory proteins |
Single-Cell Proteomics
Single-cell proteomics has been applied to human oocytes during the GV-to-MI transition, revealing dynamic changes in proteins that regulate meiotic progression. This method allows direct measurement of regulatory proteins in individual oocytes.
Live-Cell Imaging
Live-cell imaging of fluorescently tagged proteins can track meiotic spindle assembly, chromosome segregation, and GVBD in real time [1,5]. This is useful for studying the dynamics of regulatory factors.
CRISPR-Based Genetic Screens
CRISPR knockout screens can identify genes required for oocyte meiotic maturation, including regulators within GO:1903538 [4,6]. Such screens are powerful for discovering novel components.
Transcriptomics and Translational Profiling
RNA-seq and Ribo-seq can measure changes in mRNA abundance and translation efficiency during meiotic progression, providing insight into ERK1/2-mediated translational control [7,8].
How CRISPR Can Be Used to Study GO:1903538 regulation of meiotic cell cycle process involved in oocyte maturation
Knockout
CRISPR knockout of candidate genes such as CDK1, MAPK1, or PARP12 can test their requirement for oocyte meiotic maturation [1,4,7]. Knockout models reveal loss-of-function phenotypes and validate gene function within GO:1903538.
Point Mutation
Point mutation knock-in can be used to dissect specific phosphorylation sites or catalytic residues in regulators like CDK1 or ERK1/2 [1,7,8]. This allows precise structure-function analysis without completely abolishing protein expression.
Knock-in
Tagged knock-in of genes such as CCNB1 enables live-cell imaging of protein localization and dynamics during meiosis. Knock-in of reporter constructs can also monitor pathway activity.
Overexpression
Overexpression of regulators like PARP12 or cyclins can reveal gain-of-function effects on meiotic progression [4,5]. This approach complements knockout studies and can identify dominant-active or dominant-negative phenotypes.
How EDITGENE Supports regulation of meiotic cell cycle process involved in oocyte maturation Research
Researchers studying regulation of meiotic cell cycle process involved in oocyte maturation-related genes often need to determine whether a candidate gene is causally involved in meiotic progression, and to dissect the precise molecular mechanism by which it acts. EDITGENE provides a comprehensive suite of CRISPR-based services to enable such studies in oocyte and cell line models.
Contact EDITGENE today to design your custom CRISPR model for regulation of meiotic cell cycle process involved in oocyte maturation research.
Frequently Asked Questions About regulation of meiotic cell cycle process involved in oocyte maturation
What is GO:1903538?
GO:1903538 is a Gene Ontology biological process term defined as any process that modulates the frequency, rate or extent of meiotic cell cycle process involved in oocyte maturation.
What genes are involved in regulation of meiotic cell cycle process involved in oocyte maturation?
Key genes include CDK1, CCNB1, MAPK1, MAPK3, PARP12, PAPPA, and PKA, among others [1,4,5,6,7,8].
How does ERK signaling regulate oocyte meiosis?
ERK1/2 signaling regulates protein translation during oocyte meiosis and is required for proper meiotic progression [7,8].
What is the role of CDK1 in oocyte maturation?
CDK1, as part of maturation promoting factor (MPF), drives meiotic resumption and progression through meiosis I and II [1,5].
What happens if meiotic cell cycle regulation fails in oocytes?
Failure can lead to oocyte immaturity, aneuploidy, infertility, and poor assisted reproduction outcomes [1,2,3].
How can CRISPR be used to study oocyte maturation?
CRISPR knockout, knock-in, and overexpression models allow causal testing of candidate genes in oocyte meiotic maturation [4,5,6].
What is the GV-to-MI transition?
It is the transition from germinal vesicle stage to metaphase I, a critical step in oocyte maturation that can be studied by single-cell proteomics.
Which proteins regulate meiotic arrest?
High cAMP and PKA activity maintain meiotic arrest, while CDK1 inhibition by WEE1/MYT1 also contributes.
What is the role of PARP12 in oocyte maturation?
PARP12 has been shown to regulate mouse oocyte meiotic maturation.
How does PAPPA affect female reproduction?
PAPPA plays a role in female reproduction and may influence oocyte maturation.
Conclusion
GO:1903538, regulation of meiotic cell cycle process involved in oocyte maturation, is a critical biological process that governs the timing and progression of meiosis in oocytes. Its dysregulation is linked to infertility and aneuploidy, making it a key area of reproductive research [1,2,3]. Advances in single-cell proteomics and CRISPR-based models are accelerating the discovery of novel regulators within this term [3,4,6]. EDITGENE provides comprehensive CRISPR services, including knockout, point mutation, knock-in, overexpression, and library screening, to support mechanistic studies of GO:1903538 and its associated genes.
References
- 1. Pei Z et al.. 2023. The molecular regulatory mechanisms of meiotic arrest and resumption in Oocyte development and maturation.. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 21(1):90 PMID: 37784186
- 2. Coticchio G et al.. 2025. To rescue or not to rescue immature oocytes: prospects and challenges.. Fertil Steril 123(5):749-758 PMID: 40058555
- 3. Zhang Z et al.. 2025. Single-cell proteomics analysis of human oocytes during GV-to-MI transition.. Hum Reprod 40(7):1332-1343 PMID: 40359387
- 4. Cao G et al.. 2023. PARP12 regulates mouse oocyte meiotic maturation.. J Cell Physiol 238(7):1580-1591 PMID: 37305966
- 5. Li J et al.. 2019. Cyclins regulating oocyte meiotic cell cycle progression†.. Biol Reprod 101(5):878-881 PMID: 31347666
- 6. Schaab AM et al.. 2025. PAPPA's role in female reproduction.. Reproduction 170(2) PMID: 40683301
- 7. Das D et al.. 2022. Regulation of oocyte maturation: Role of conserved ERK signaling.. Mol Reprod Dev 89(9):353-374 PMID: 35908193
- 8. Kalous J et al.. 2018. Importance of ERK1/2 in Regulation of Protein Translation during Oocyte Meiosis.. Int J Mol Sci 19(3) PMID: 29494492
