Regulator of G-protein signaling 2 (RGS2) suppresses premature calcium release in mouse eggs.

ABSTRACT: During oocyte maturation, capacity and sensitivity of Ca(2+) signaling machinery increases dramatically, preparing the metaphase II (MII)-arrested egg for fertilization. Upon sperm-egg fusion, Ca(2+) release from IP3-sensitive endoplasmic reticulum stores results in cytoplasmic Ca(2+) oscillations that drive egg activation and initiate early embryo development. Premature Ca(2+) release can cause parthenogenetic activation prior to fertilization; thus, preventing inappropriate Ca(2+) signaling is crucial for ensuring robust MII arrest. Here, we show that regulator of G-protein signaling 2 (RGS2) suppresses Ca(2+) release in MII eggs. Rgs2 mRNA was recruited for translation during oocyte maturation, resulting in ∼ 20-fold more RGS2 protein in MII eggs than in fully grown immature oocytes. Rg

SUBMITTER: Bernhardt ML 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4529029 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature