Transcriptional Regulation of Late Oogenesis and Early Embryogenesis

Dear Colleagues,

Oocytes and early embryos are unique cells that give rise to new life. It is not surprising that the formation of the female germ cell and cleavage of the zygote are extremely dynamic and finely regulated processes regardless of species-specific strategies of female gametogenesis and embryonic development. The most important aspect of the development of a new organism is drastic alterations of the transcriptional activity occurring in late oogenesis and early embryogenesis. Transcriptional silencing of the oocyte nucleus (germinal vesicle, GV), which often occurs before the resumption of meiosis, seems to be essential for the transition from the end of oogenesis to fertilization and further embryonic development. On the contrary, the cleavage period is characterized by a gradual reactivation of transcriptional activity, the so-called zygotic genome activation accompanied by a complexly coordinated and finely balanced replacement of the regulatory molecules accumulated during oogenesis by the expression products of the embryonic genome. The regulation of transcriptional activity in late oogenesis and early embryogenesis involves DNA methylation, post-translational histone modifications, and ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling involving specific chromatin-associated non-histone proteins. Besides, alternative histone variants can replace canonical histones, thereby switching the state of chromatin. Dysregulation of all these and many other nuclear processes virtually related to transcription can lead to the disruption of normal development.

Led by Dr. Dmitry S. Bogolyubov and assisted by our Topical Advisory Panel Member Dr. Irina Bogolyubova (Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences), this Special Issue “Transcriptional Regulation of Late Oogenesis and Early Embryogenesis”, will cover any aspects of the regulatory mechanisms of both mRNA and rRNA synthesis, involved in development of female germ cells and their derivatives, zygotes and early embryos. Studies in animals outside mammals, both vertebrates and invertebrates, are encouraged. Papers dedicated to current views on the transcriptional activity of lampbrush chromosomes and the importance of non-coding DNA transcription in oogenesis and embryogenesis are also appreciated. Experimental and bioinformatics papers, up-to-date review articles, and commentaries are welcome.

Dr. Dmitry S. Bogolyubov
Guest Editor

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