Mater, a maternal effect gene required for early embryonic development in mice

Nat Genet. 2000 Nov;26(3):267-8. doi: 10.1038/81547.

Abstract

Maternal effect genes produce mRNA or proteins that accumulate in the egg during oogenesis. We show here that Mater, a mouse oocyte protein dependent on the maternal genome, is essential for embryonic development beyond the two-cell stage. Females lacking the maternal effect gene Mater are sterile. Null males are fertile.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens*
  • Blastocyst / pathology
  • Egg Proteins / genetics
  • Egg Proteins / physiology*
  • Embryonic and Fetal Development / genetics*
  • Female
  • Fetal Resorption / genetics
  • Genes*
  • Genomic Imprinting / genetics*
  • Infertility, Female / genetics
  • Leucine Zippers / genetics
  • Leucine Zippers / physiology
  • Mice / embryology
  • Mice / genetics*
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Oocytes / metabolism
  • Ovary / metabolism
  • RNA, Messenger, Stored / genetics

Substances

  • Antigens
  • Egg Proteins
  • Nalp5 protein, mouse
  • RNA, Messenger, Stored