|
Close Help |
+ oocyte-to-embryo transition, + RNAi, + miRNA, + piRNA retrotransposon
We found that the high prevalence of RNA interference (through siRNA molecules) in mouse oocytes is due to the activity of a specific isoform of the retrotransposon-driven Dicer enzyme. [pubmed] [doi]
We have shown that in hamsters the piRNA molecules are required for gamete formation not only in males but also in females. This finding contrasts with gametocyte formation in mice, where the absence of piRNA leads to infertility only in males. [pubmed] [doi]
In this study, we found that more than 800 LTR retrotransposons mediate gene remodelling in mouse, human, hamster and bovine oocytes, among others. Our results suggest that these LTR retrotransposons also help to convert oocytes into embryos by activating gene expression and modulating other cellular mechanisms. [pubmed] [doi]