Toward the understanding of biology of oocyte life cycle in Xenopus Laevis: No oocytes left behind

摘要: Background For the past more than 25 years, we have been focusing on developmental and reproductive biology of female gametes, oocytes, eggs, African clawed frog Xenopus laevis. Methods The events associated with life cycle these cells can be classified into four main categories: first, oogenesis cell growth in ovary during first meiotic arrest; second, maturation ovulation that occur simultaneously result acquisition fertilization competence second third, fertilization, is sperm-induced transition from egg to zygote; fourth, death after spontaneous activation absence fertilizing sperm. Main findings Our studies demonstrated signal transduction system involving tyrosine kinase Src other oocyte/egg membrane-associated molecules such as uroplakin III some cytoplasmic proteins mitogen-activated protein (MAPK) play important roles for successful ovulation, maturation, initiation embryonic development. Conclusion We summarize recent advances understanding cellular molecular mechanisms underlying oocytes eggs. further intention discuss predict potentially promising impact challenges facing medicine, well societal contexts.