Emi1-mediated M-phase arrest in Xenopus eggs is distinct from cytostatic factor arrest

Abstract

Oocytes of most vertebrates arrest at metaphase of the second meiosis (meta-II) to await fertilization, thus preventing parthenogenetic activation. This arrest is caused by a cytoplasmic activity called cytostatic factor (CSF), which was first identified in the frog Rana pipiens oocyte >30 years ago. CSF arrest is executed by maintaining the activity of cyclin B-Cdc2 at elevated levels largely through prevention of cyclin B destruction. Although CSF arrest is established by the Mos-mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway and is released by the Ca-calmodulin kinase II pathway, it remains unclear precisely how cyclin B destruction is regulated. Recently, an early mitotic inhibitor, Emi1, was reported to be a critical component of CSF. This report has been expected to provide a final resolution to the CSF problem because Emi1 inhibits the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome, a ubiquitin ligase for cyclin B destruction, through sequestration of Cdc20, an activator for the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome. In mitotic cycles, however, Emi1 is destroyed in every pro-metaphase, and accordingly, it is unclear why Emi1 should be required for CSF activity, which is seen only in meta-II. Here, we show that Emi1 is absent in unfertilized mature Xenopus eggs and that exogenous Emi1 is destroyed in meta-II and mitotic metaphase. The expression of Emi1 in oocytes hinders meiotic progression. Although both Emi1 and Mos can inhibit progression through M phase, the Emi1-mediated arrest does not require mitogen-activated protein kinase activity and is not released by Ca. Together, our results indicate that Emi1 is unlikely to be a component of CSF.