This research was supported in part by the University of Georgia, and a grant (HD071330) from the National Institutes of Health to MMV.

This protocol was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) at the University of Georgia.
1. Preparations
<ol>
	<li>For oocyte culture, purchase or freshly prepare Minimal Essential Medium (MEM) and supplement with 3 mg/ml bovine serum albumin (BSA) as outlined in Table 1. Place a polystyrene bottle on a loading balance (tare to zero). Add all reagents, except BSA, in order and bring up the final volume with MQ-water by weight to a total of 250 g. Then add the BSA, allow to dissolve and filter sterilize. 
	Note: The described MEM medium requires equilibration and cell incubation with a medical gas mixture of 5% CO2, 5% O2 and 90% N2. However, other media (e.g., CZB) can be used that allow for cell incubation in 5% CO2 under atmospheric conditions.</li>
	<li>For oocyte microinjection, purchase or prepare M2 medium.</li>
	<li>Prepare pregnant mare&#8217;s serum gonadotropin (PMSG) to a concentration of 5 IU/100 &#181;l.</li>
	<li>Purchase and reconstitute siRNA stocks to a working concentration of 1 &#181;M.</li>
</ol>
2. Mouse Oocyte Collection
<ol>
	<li>DAY 1:&#160;To stimulate ovarian follicle development and increase the number of pre-ovulatory follicles, administer 5 IU of PMSG intraperitoneally to female mice 48 hr prior to oocyte collection.</li>
	<li>DAY 3:&#160;For oocyte collection and culture, set up 35 mm culture dishes with 3 ml of MEM/BSA supplemented with 1 &#181;g/ml milrinone. This phosphodiesterase inhibitor maintains the oocytes in prophase-I arrest and prevents germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD). Equilibrate the culture dishes in a medical gas mixture for at least 15 min. 
	Note: Milrinone supplemented media is required throughout oocyte collection, as well as oocyte microinjection and the 24 hr culture hold period post siRNA.</li>
	<li>Retrieve ovaries from the female mice using established laboratory practices15 and transfer to a new culture dish with pre-warmed and equilibrated MEM/BSA/milrinone.</li>
	<li>Place the culture dish on the stage of a stereomicroscope for oocyte collection. Release cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COC&#8217;s) by manually puncturing the antral follicles with 27 G needles. Fix one ovary to the bottom of the culture dish, with a 27 G needle attached to a 1 ml syringe, and use a second needle to puncture all large follicles. Repeat for each ovary.</li>
	<li>Using standard mouth pipetting procedures or other means of oocyte aspiration, collect all oocytes that are surrounded by 2 or more layers of compact cumulus cells. Transfer the COC&#8217;s to a new dish and incubate at 37 &#176;C for 1 hr.</li>
	<li>Carefully remove the surrounding cumulus cells by repeated gentle pipetting with a 1 ml pipette set to an aspiration volume of 750 &#181;l. Repeat the pipetting step about 12 times and allow the oocytes to recover for 5 min. Continue in this manner until all or most of the cumulus cells have been removed. Transfer the denuded oocytes to another culture dish and allow to equilibrate at 37 &#176;C for 15 min.</li>
	<li>Allocate the denuded oocytes into three experimental groups to be used for: (i) microinjection of specific siRNAs against the target of interest, (ii) microinjection of unspecific (control) siRNAs, and (iii) a non-injected control group to account for culture conditions.</li>
</ol>
3. Oocyte Microinjection
<ol>
	<li>Set up culture dishes with 3 ml M2 media supplemented with milrinone (1 &#181;g/ml) for oocyte microinjection. Prepare culture dishes containing MEM/BSA/milrinone for washing and subsequent culture of injected oocytes. 
	Note: M2 medium contains HEPES buffer and requires pre-warming at 37 &#176;C for 15 min under atmospheric conditions. MEM requires pre-warming and equilibration using medical gas as described above.</li>
	<li>Prepare the microinjection system. Load the injection needle with 5 &#181;l of 1 &#181;M specific siRNA solution. Secure the holding pipette and injection needle to micromanipulators of the microinjection system and set up the Injection Unit with calibrated volume and pressure.</li>
	<li>Place a 200 &#181;l micro-drop of M2 media on the inside of the lid of a 3 cm culture dish and add an oocyte for set up and alignment of the microinjection system.</li>
	<li>Using the oocyte as a guide, adjust the positions of the holding and injection needles. Apply negative pressure to the holding pipette to gently secure the oocyte and adjust the position of the injection needle to the widest diameter of the cell. Adjust settings to allow microinjection of approximately 10 pl of the siRNA solution anywhere into the oocyte cytoplasm. 
	&#160;<img alt="Figure 1" src="/files/ftp_upload/53586/53586fig1.jpg" /> 
	Figure 1. Oocyte microinjection set up. (A) Representative image of a 200 &#181;l micro-drop of M2 media placed on the lid from a 3 cm culture dish, with the holding pipette and injection needle positioned on the left and right, respectively. (B) Group of prophase-I arrested oocytes (GV-stage) prior to microinjection. <a href="https://www.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/53586/53586fig1large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a> 
	&#160;</li>
	<li>Return the lid to the stereomicroscope stage and add a 200 &#181;l micro-drop of fresh M2 media. Add a group of oocytes (~10) to the micro-drop by mouth pipetting, or alternative methods, then return the lid with micro-drop to the microinjection stage.
	<ol>
		<li>Proceed to microinject the individual oocytes. Secure one oocyte with the holding pipette, slowly insert the tip of the injection needle into the cytoplasm and expel the injection volume of siRNA solution. Carefully retract the injection needle and move the injected oocyte to a position at the bottom of the micro-drop. Move unsuccessfully injected oocytes to a position at the top of the micro-drop.</li>
		<li>Repeat the microinjection procedure with each oocyte. To maintain optimal oocyte viability, microinject only a small number of oocytes at a time. Ensure that this process does not take more than a few minutes to prevent temperature and pH changes in the micro-drop.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Aspirate successfully injected oocytes or carefully move the lid with the micro-drop of injected oocytes to the stereomicroscope. Transfer the injected viable oocytes by mouth pipetting or alternative methods, to MEM/BSA/milrinone medium to wash and equilibrate at 37 &#176;C.</li>
	<li>Using another group of oocytes, repeat the microinjection process with a new injection needle loaded with non-specific siRNAs for the control group. Wash the oocytes in MEM/BSA/ milrinone and transfer to a separate culture dish.</li>
	<li>Culture all groups of oocytes for 24 hr in MEM/BSA/milrinone at 37 &#176;C under an atmosphere of medical gas. 
	Note: The &#8216;milrinone block&#8217; culture period is needed for efficient target mRNA/protein depletion.</li>
</ol>
4. Oocyte Culture for Meiotic Maturation
<ol>
	<li>DAY 4:&#160;For each experimental group of oocytes set-up 4 culture dishes (35 mm) with 3 ml MEM/BSA. Supplement one media dish per group with 10% (high-quality) fetal bovine serum (FBS) to use for oocyte maturation. Allow all culture dishes to equilibrate at 37 &#176;C with medical gas mixture.</li>
	<li>To release oocytes from &#8216;milrinone block&#8217;, sequentially wash the oocytes three times in dishes containing MEM/BSA and then transfer the oocytes to the maturation dish containing media with 10% FBS. Culture all oocyte groups for 17 hr at 37 &#176;C, to enable resumption and progression of meiosis.</li>
	<li>DAY 5:&#160;Prepare solutions for oocyte fixation, including: (i) 4% paraformaldehyde (PFA) in PEM buffer (100 mM PIPES [pH 6.9], 1 mM MgCl2, 1 mM EGTA) with 0.5% Triton-X 100, and (ii) PBS supplemented with 5% FBS that will be used to wash and block the oocytes. 
	Note: These solutions require pre-warming to 37 &#176;C prior to oocyte fixation.</li>
	<li>For oocyte fixation (after the 17 hr culture), swiftly transfer each experimental group of oocytes by mouth pipetting or alternative methods into individual wells (of a 4-well dish) containing 750 &#181;l of pre-warmed 4% PFA solution and incubate at 37 &#176;C for 1 hr. Subsequently wash each group of oocytes 3 times (15 min each) in 750 &#181;l of pre-warmed PBS containing 5% FBS.</li>
	<li>Block oocytes in 200 &#181;l PBS/5% FBS O/N at 4 &#176;C to minimize unspecific antibody binding.</li>
</ol>
5. Immunofluorescence Analysis
<ol>
	<li>DAY 6:&#160; 
	Note: Immunostaining is done in a multi-well plate and the oocytes are serially transferred to sequential wells, containing respective antibody and wash solutions. Either 48 or 96-well plates can be used, simply adjust the solution volume based on well size. For 96-well plates use 200 &#181;l per well. Oocytes are transferred to the different solutions in the following order: primary antibody solution - 3 wash wells - secondary antibody solution - 3 wash wells. To limit light exposure the plate can be covered with foil. 
	Prepare fresh PBS/5% FBS and use this solution to prepare antibody dilutions (e.g., rabbit anti-pericentrin (1/1,000), mouse anti-tubulin (1/1,000)).</li>
	<li>Transfer the fixed oocytes of each experimental group to individual wells containing 200 &#181;l (or 100 &#181;l, if less volume is desired) of the primary antibody solution and cover the well with parafilm. Incubate according to optimal antibody-specific conditions (e.g., 37 &#176;C for 1 hr, or 4 &#176;C O/N). 
	Note: Primary antibody dilution as well as specific incubation time and temperature require testing to determine the optimal conditions for different antibodies used.</li>
	<li>After incubation with the primary antibody, wash the oocytes three times in PBS/5% FBS (10-15 min each).</li>
	<li>Transfer the oocytes into the solution containing fluorescently-conjugated secondary antibodies (e.g., 1/1,000 dilution of anti-rabbit and anti-mouse antibodies conjugated with fluorochromes of different wavelengths). Incubate for 1 hr at 37 &#176;C.</li>
	<li>Wash the oocytes three times in PBS/5% FBS (10 &#8211; 15 min each).</li>
	<li>After the final wash step, transfer the oocytes onto a clean glass slide and gently aspirate any excess wash solution. This will immobilize the oocytes on the glass surface. Add 8 &#181;l of mounting media (containing DAPI) and carefully overlay the mounting media with a 22 mm x 22 mm cover slip. Lower the coverslip slowly to avoid trapping air bubbles and/or damaging the oocytes. 
	Note: Alternatively, to maintain the 3-dimentional properties of the oocyte for confocal microscopy analysis, add a small volume of 100 &#181;m glass beads (mixed with petroleum jelly) to the corners of the cover slip prior to mounting on the slide.</li>
	<li>Store slides at 4 &#176;C, or proceed to the assessment of meiotic progression as well as the analysis of expression levels and subcellular protein localization using a fluorescence microscope equipped with the necessary filters to match the secondary antibodies used.</li>
</ol>

<ol>
	<li>Nagaoka, S. I., Hassold, T. J., Hunt, P. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Human+aneuploidy:+mechanisms+and+new+insights+into+an+age-old+problem.">Human aneuploidy: mechanisms and new insights into an age-old problem.</a> Nat Rev Genet. 13 (7), 493-504 (2012).</li><li>Hassold, T. J., Hunt, P. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=To+err+(meiotically)+is+human:+the+genesis+of+human+aneuploidy.">To err (meiotically) is human: the genesis of human aneuploidy.</a> Nat Rev Genet. 2 (4), 280-291 (2001).</li><li>Szollosi, D., Calarco, P., Donahue, R. P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Absence+of+Centrioles+in+the+First+and+Second+Meiotic+Spindles+of+Mouse+Oocytes.">Absence of Centrioles in the First and Second Meiotic Spindles of Mouse Oocytes.</a> J Cell Sci. 11 (2), 521-541 (1972).</li><li>Manandhar, G., Schatten, H., Sutovsky, P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Centrosome+Reduction+During+Gametogenesis+and+Its+Significance.">Centrosome Reduction During Gametogenesis and Its Significance.</a> Biol Reprod. 72 (1), 2-13 (2005).</li><li>Zimmerman, W. C., Sillibourne, J., Rosa, J., Doxsey, S. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Mitosis-specific+anchoring+of+gamma+tubulin+complexes+by+pericentrin+controls+spindle+organization+and+mitotic+entry.">Mitosis-specific anchoring of gamma tubulin complexes by pericentrin controls spindle organization and mitotic entry.</a> Mol Biol Cell. 15 (8), 3642-3647 (2004).</li><li>Ma, W., Baumann, C., Viveiros, M. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=NEDD1+is+crucial+for+meiotic+spindle+stabilty+and+accurate+chromosome+segregation+in+mammalian+oocytes.">NEDD1 is crucial for meiotic spindle stabilty and accurate chromosome segregation in mammalian oocytes.</a> Dev Biol. 339 (439-450), (2010).</li><li>Ma, W., Viveiros, M. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Depletion+of+pericentrin+in+mouse+oocytes+disrupts+microtubule+organizing+center+function+and+meiotic+spindle+organization.">Depletion of pericentrin in mouse oocytes disrupts microtubule organizing center function and meiotic spindle organization.</a> Mol Reprod Dev. 81 (11), 1019-1029 (2014).</li><li>Bouniol-Baly, C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Differential+Transcriptional+Activity+Associated+with+Chromatin+Configuration+in+Fully+Grown+Mouse+Germinal+Vesicle+Oocytes.">Differential Transcriptional Activity Associated with Chromatin Configuration in Fully Grown Mouse Germinal Vesicle Oocytes.</a> Biol Reprod. 60 (3), 580-587 (1999).</li><li>De La Fuente, R., Eppig, J. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Transcriptional+Activity+of+the+Mouse+Oocyte+Genome:+Companion+Granulosa+Cells+Modulate+Transcription+and+Chromatin+Remodeling.">Transcriptional Activity of the Mouse Oocyte Genome: Companion Granulosa Cells Modulate Transcription and Chromatin Remodeling.</a> Dev Biol. 229 (1), 224-236 (2001).</li><li>Hodgman, R., Tay, J., Mendez, R., Richter, J. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=CPEB+phosphorylation+and+cytoplasmic+polyadenylation+are+catalyzed+by+the+kinase+IAK1/Eg2+in+maturing+mouse+oocytes.">CPEB phosphorylation and cytoplasmic polyadenylation are catalyzed by the kinase IAK1/Eg2 in maturing mouse oocytes.</a> Development. 128 (14), 2815-2822 (2001).</li><li>De La Fuente, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Chromatin+modifications+in+the+germinal+vesicle+(GV)+of+mammalian+oocytes.">Chromatin modifications in the germinal vesicle (GV) of mammalian oocytes.</a> Dev Biol. 292 (1), 1-12 (2006).</li><li>Wianny, F., Zernicka-Goetz, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Specific+interference+with+gene+function+by+double-stranded+RNA+in+early+mouse+development.">Specific interference with gene function by double-stranded RNA in early mouse development.</a> Nat Cell Biol. , 270-275 (2000).</li><li>Svoboda, P., Stein, P., Hayashi, H., Schultz, R. 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The authors have nothing to disclose

While there are multiple methods for exogenous nucleic acid transfer into somatic cells, such as electroporation and transfection, microinjection is the optimal method for delivery of RNA molecules into transcriptionally quiescent mouse oocytes. The current protocol provides an effective approach for in vitro depletion of specific mRNAs that enable the functional testing of different spindle and/or MTOC-associated factors in oocytes. This approach results in efficient transcript depletion and is highly adaptable...

Meiosis is a unique division process that occurs in gametes (oocytes and sperm) and involves two successive divisions without intervening DNA synthesis to segregate homologous chromosomes and sister chromatids during meiosis-I and meiosis-II, respectively1. Errors in chromosome segregation during meiotic division in oocytes can result in aneuploidy, which is inherited by the embryo during fertilization. Notably, the incidence of aneuploidy in developing embryos increases with advancing maternal age and is a major cause of congenital birth defects as well as pregnancy loss in women1,2, thus, underscoring an important need to understand the molecular basis of aneuploidy during meiotic division.
During cell division, chromosome segregation is crucially dependent on assembly of the microtubule spindle apparatus and establishment of stable chromosome-microtubule interactions for correct attachment to opposite spindle poles. Importantly, meiotic spindle formation in mammalian oocytes differs from mitosis in somatic cells, and is regulated by unique microtubule-organizing centers (MTOCs) that lack centrioles3,4. Essential proteins necessary for microtubule nucleation and organization localize to oocyte MTOCs, including &#947;-tubulin that catalyzes microtubule assembly. In addition, pericentrin functions as an essential scaffolding protein, which binds and anchors &#947;-tubulin as well as other factors at MTOCs5. Notably, our studies demonstrate that depletion of key MTOC-associated proteins disrupts meiotic spindle organization and leads to chromosome segregation errors in oocytes, which are not fully resolved by the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC)6,7. Therefore, defects in spindle stability, that do not trigger meiotic arrest, pose a significant risk in contributing to aneuploidy. Despite their essential role in spindle assembly and organization, oocyte MTOC protein composition and function remains poorly understood.
Testing the function of specific target proteins in mammalian oocytes is challenging, as the cells become transcriptionally quiescent shortly before the resumption of meiosis8,9. Hence, pre-ovulatory oocytes rely on maternal mRNA stores to resume meiosis and support meiotic division as well as the first cleavage divisions after fertilization10,11. The efficacy of RNA interference (RNAi) mediated degradation of mRNA transcripts in mammalian oocytes is well established and maternal RNAs recruited for translation during meiotic maturation are particularly amenable to siRNA targeting 12-14. Therefore, microinjection of short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) into oocytes provides a valuable approach to deplete target mRNAs for functional testing.
Here, we describe methods for the isolation of mouse oocytes and siRNA-mediated depletion of specific transcripts to test the function of an essential MTOC-associated protein, pericentrin. In addition, we describe immunofluorescence analysis conditions to evaluate meiotic spindle formation in oocytes.

<table><tbody><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>&lt;strong&gt;Reagents&lt;/strong&gt;</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Pregnant Mare&#039;s Serum Gonadotropin (PMSG)</td><td>EMD Biosciences</td><td>367222</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Minimal Essential Medium (MEM)</td><td></td><td></td><td>*Recipe outlined in Table 1</td></tr><tr><td>Earle&#039;s Balanced Salt Solution (10x)</td><td>Sigma</td><td>E-7510</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Sodium Bicarbonate</td><td>Sigma</td><td>S-5761</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Pyruvic Acid, sodium salt&amp;nbsp;</td><td>Sigma</td><td>P-5280</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Penicillin G, potassium salt&amp;nbsp;</td><td>Sigma</td><td>P-7794</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Streptomycin Sulfate&amp;nbsp;</td><td>Sigma</td><td>S-9137</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>L-Glutamine&amp;nbsp;</td><td>Sigma</td><td>G-8540</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>EDTA, disodium salt dihydrate&amp;nbsp;</td><td>Sigma</td><td>E-4884</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Essential Amino Acids (50x)</td><td>Gibco&amp;nbsp;</td><td>11130-051</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>MEM Vitamin Mixture (100x)</td><td>Sigma</td><td>M-6895</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Phenol Red solution</td><td>Sigma</td><td>P-0290</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA)</td><td>Sigma</td><td>A1470</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Milrinone</td><td>Sigma</td><td>M4659</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS)</td><td>Hyclone</td><td>SH30070.01</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>EmbryoMax M2 Media with Hepes</td><td>EMD Millipore</td><td>MR-015-D</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>siRNAs targeting Pericentrin</td><td>Qiagen</td><td>GS18541</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Negative control siRNAs&amp;nbsp;</td><td>Qiagen</td><td>SI03650318</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Paraformaldehyde (16% solution)</td><td>Electron Microscopy Sciences</td><td>15710</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Triton-X</td><td>Sigma</td><td>T-8787</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS)</td><td>Hyclone</td><td>SH30028.02</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Anti-Pericentrin (rabbit)</td><td>Covance</td><td>PRB-432C</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Anti-acetylated a-tubulin (mouse)</td><td>Sigma</td><td>T-6793</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Goat anti-rabbbit Alexa Fluor 488</td><td>Invitrogen</td><td>A-21430</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Goat anti -mouse Alexa Fluor 555</td><td>Invitrogen</td><td>A-11017</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>&lt;strong&gt;Major Equipment&lt;/strong&gt;</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Stereomicroscope (SMZ 800)</td><td>Nikon</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Upright Fluorescent Microscope</td><td>Leica Microsystems</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Inverted Microscope</td><td>Nikon&amp;nbsp;</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Femtojet Micro-injections System</td><td>Eppenforf</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Micro manipulators</td><td>Eppendorf</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Micro-injection needles (femtotips)</td><td>Eppendorf</td><td>930000035</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Holding pipettes (VacuTip)</td><td>Eppendorf</td><td>930001015</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>&lt;strong&gt;Plasticware&lt;/strong&gt;</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>35 mm culture dishes</td><td>Corning Life Sciences</td><td>351008</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>4-well plates</td><td>Thermo Scientific</td><td>176740</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>96 well plates</td><td>Corning Life Sciences</td><td>3367</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>0.45 mm CA Filter System</td><td>Corning Life Sciences</td><td>430768</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

meiotic spindle assessment in mouse oocytes by sirna-mediated silencing

Errors in chromosome segregation during meiotic division in gametes can lead to aneuploidy that is subsequently transmitted to the embryo upon fertilization. The resulting aneuploidy in developing embryos is recognized as a major cause of pregnancy loss and congenital birth defects such as Down&#8217;s syndrome. Accurate chromosome segregation is critically dependent on the formation of the microtubule spindle apparatus, yet this process remains poorly understood in mammalian oocytes. Intriguingly, meiotic spindle assembly differs from mitosis and is regulated, at least in part, by unique microtubule organizing centers (MTOCs). Assessment of MTOC-associated proteins can provide valuable insight into the regulatory mechanisms that govern meiotic spindle formation and organization. Here, we describe methods to isolate mouse oocytes and deplete MTOC-associated proteins using a siRNA-mediated approach to test function. In addition, we describe oocyte fixation and immunofluorescence analysis conditions to evaluate meiotic spindle formation and organization.

Microinjection of siRNAs provides an effective approach for mRNA degradation and subsequent protein depletion in oocytes, which enables efficient and highly specific functional testing of different target factors in vitro. Subsequently, immunofluorescence is used for specific phenotype analysis as well as to validate protein depletion in siRNA-injected oocytes. In the current example, fluorescent labeling of individual oocytes with DAPI together with anti-tubulin and anti-pericentrin antibodies enabled: (i) conf...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Meiotic Spindle Assessment in Mouse Oocytes by siRNA-mediated Silencing at JoVE.com

Meiotic Spindle Assessment in Mouse Oocytes by siRNA-mediated Silencing

Here, we present a protocol for specific siRNA-mediated mRNA depletion followed by immunofluorescence analysis to evaluate meiotic spindle assembly and organization in mouse oocytes. This protocol is suitable for in vitro depletion of transcripts and functional assessment of different spindle and/or MTOC-associated factors in oocytes.

Errors in chromosome segregation during meiotic division in gametes can lead to aneuploidy that is subsequently transmitted to the embryo upon ...

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11.6K Views.  College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia. Here, we present a protocol for specific siRNA-mediated mRNA depletion followed by immunofluorescence analysis to evaluate meiotic spindle assembly and organization in mouse oocytes. This protocol is suitable for in vitro depletion of transcripts and functional assessment of different spindle and/or MTOC-associated factors in oocytes.

Video: Meiotic Spindle Assessment in Mouse Oocytes by siRNA-mediated Silencing

Chromatin Spread Preparations for the Analysis of Mouse Oocyte Progression from Prophase to Metaphase II

Chromatin spread techniques have been widely used to assess the dynamic localization of various proteins during gametogenesis, particularly for spermatogenesis. These techniques allow for visualization of protein and DNA localization patterns during meiotic events such as homologous chromosome pairing, synapsis and DNA repair. While a few protocols have been described in the literature, general chromatin spread techniques using mammalian prophase oocytes are limited and difficult due to the timing of meiosis initiation in fetal ovaries. In comparison, prophase spermatocytes can be collected from juvenile male mice with higher yields without the need for microdissection. However, it is difficult to obtain a pure synchronized population of cells at specific stages due to the heterogeneity of meiotic and post-meiotic germ cell populations in the juvenile and adult testis. For later stages of meiosis, it is advantageous to assess oocytes undergoing meiosis I (MI) or meiosis II (MII), because groups of mature oocytes can be collected from adult female mice and stimulated to resume meiosis in culture. Here, methods for meiotic chromatin spread preparations using oocytes dissected from fetal, neonatal and adult ovaries are described with accompanying video demonstrations. Chromosome missegregation events in mammalian oocytes are frequent, particularly during MI. These techniques can be used to assess and characterize the effects of different mutations or environmental exposures during various stages of oogenesis. As there are distinct differences between oogenesis and spermatogenesis, the techniques described within are invaluable to increase our understanding of mammalian oogenesis and the sexually dimorphic features of chromosome and protein dynamics during meiosis.

Oogenesis in mammals is known to be error-prone, particularly due to chromosome missegregation. This manuscript describes chromatin spread preparation methods for mouse prophase, metaphase I and II-staged oocytes. These fundamental techniques allow for the study of chromatin-bound proteins and chromosome morphology throughout mammalian oogenesis.

Chromatin spread techniques have been widely used to assess the dynamic localization of various proteins during gametogenesis, particularly for ...

Genetics

Using Mouse Oocytes to Assess Human Gene Function During Meiosis I

Embryonic aneuploidy is the major genetic cause of infertility in humans. Most of these events originate during female meiosis, and albeit positively correlated with maternal age, age alone is not always predictive of the risk of generating an aneuploid embryo. Therefore, gene variants might account for incorrect chromosome segregation during oogenesis. Given that access to human oocytes is limited for research purposes, a series of assays were developed to study human gene function during meiosis I using mouse oocytes. First, messenger RNA (mRNA) of the gene and gene variant of interest are microinjected into prophase I-arrested mouse oocytes. After allowing time for expression, oocytes are synchronously released into meiotic maturation to complete meiosis I. By tagging the mRNA with a sequence of a fluorescent reporter, such as green fluorescent protein (Gfp), the localization of the human protein can be assessed in addition to the phenotypic alterations. For example, gain or loss of function can be investigated by establishing experimental conditions that challenge the gene product to fix meiotic errors. Although this system is advantageous in investigating human protein function during oogenesis, adequate interpretation of results should be undertaken given that protein expression is not at endogenous levels and, unless controlled for (i.e. knocked out or down), murine homologs are also present in the system.

As the genetic variants associated with human disease begin to become uncovered, it is becoming increasingly important to develop systems with which to rapidly evaluate the biological significance of those identified variants. This protocol describes methods for evaluating human gene function during female meiosis I using mouse oocytes.

Embryonic aneuploidy is the major genetic cause of infertility in humans. Most of these events originate during female meiosis, and albeit positively ...

Use of Single Molecule Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (SM-FISH) to Quantify and Localize mRNAs in Murine Oocytes

Current methods routinely used to quantify mRNA in oocytes and embryos include digital reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (dPCR), quantitative, real-time RT-PCR (RT-qPCR) and RNA sequencing. When these techniques are performed using a single oocyte or embryo, low-copy mRNAs are not reliably detected. To overcome this problem, oocytes or embryos can be pooled together for analysis; however, this often leads to high variability amongst samples. In this protocol, we describe the use of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using branched DNA chemistry. This technique identifies the spatial pattern of mRNAs in individual cells. When the technique is coupled with Spot Finding and Tracking&#160;computer software, the abundance of mRNAs in the cell can also be quantified. Using this technique, there is reduced variability within an experimental group and fewer oocytes and embryos are required to detect significant differences between experimental groups. Commercially available branched-DNA SM-FISH kits have been optimized to detect mRNAs in sectioned tissues or adherent cells on slides. However, oocytes do not effectively adhere to slides and some reagents in the kit were too harsh resulting in oocyte lysis. To prevent this lysis, several modifications were made to the FISH kit. Specifically, oocyte permeabilization and wash&#160;buffers designed for the immunofluorescence of oocytes and embryos replaced the proprietary buffers. The permeabilization, washes, and incubations with probes and amplifier were performed in 6-well plates and oocytes were placed on slides at the end of the protocol using mounting media. These modifications were able to overcome the limitations of the commercially available kit, in particular, the oocyte lysis. To accurately and reproducibly count the number of mRNAs in individual oocytes, computer software was used. Together, this protocol represents an alternative to PCR and sequencing to compare the expression of specific transcripts in single cells.

Use of Single Molecule Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization SM-FISH to Quantify and Localize mRNAs in Murine Oocytes

To reproducibly count the numbers of mRNAs in individual oocytes, single molecule RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (RNA-FISH) was optimized for non-adherent cells. Oocytes were collected, hybridized with the transcript specific probes, and quantified using an image quantification software.

Current methods routinely used to quantify mRNA in oocytes and embryos include digital reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (dPCR), ...

Human Egg Maturity Assessment and Its Clinical Application

The optimal timing of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is of a serious concern for fertility programs because untimely sperm entry diminishes the egg&#39;s developmental competence. Presence of the first polar body (PB) together with the meiotic spindle indicates completion of the oocyte maturation and the egg&#39;s readiness for fertilization. In clinical practice, it is customary to assume that all oocytes displaying a PB are mature metaphase (MII) oocytes. However, PB extrusion precedes the formation of the bipolar MII spindle. This asynchrony makes the mere presence of PB an unreliable marker of oocyte maturity. Noninvasive spindle imaging using polarized light microscopy (PLM) allows quick and easy inspection of whether the PB-displaying oocyte actually reassembled a meiotic spindle prior to ICSI. Here, we present a standard protocol to perform human egg maturity assessment in the clinical laboratory. We also show how to optimize the time of ICSI with respect to the oocyte&#39;s developmental stage in order to prevent premature sperm injection of late-maturing oocytes. Using this approach, even immature oocytes extruding PB in vitro can be clinically utilized. Affirmation that MII spindle is present prior to sperm injection and individual adjustment of the time of ICSI is particularly important in poor prognosis in-vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles with a low number of oocytes available for fertilization.

We provide an outline of the clinical protocol for non-invasive assessment of human egg maturity using polarized light microscopy.

The optimal timing of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is of a serious concern for fertility programs because untimely sperm entry diminishes the ...

Developmental Biology

Evaluation of the Spindle Assembly Checkpoint Integrity in Mouse Oocytes

Aneuploidy is the leading genetic abnormality causing early miscarriage and pregnancy failure in humans. Most errors in chromosome segregation that give rise to aneuploidy occur during meiosis in oocytes, but why oocyte meiosis is error-prone is still not fully understood. During cell division, cells prevent errors in chromosome segregation by activating the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC). This control mechanism relies on detecting kinetochore (KT)-microtubule (MT) attachments and sensing tension generated by spindle fibers. When KTs are unattached, the SAC is activated and prevents cell-cycle progression. The SAC is activated first by MPS1 kinase, which triggers the recruitment and formation of the mitotic checkpoint complex (MCC), composed of MAD1, MAD2, BUB3, and BUBR1. Then, the MCC diffuses into the cytoplasm and sequesters CDC20, an anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) activator. Once KTs become attached to microtubules and chromosomes are aligned at the metaphase plate, the SAC is silenced, CDC20 is released, and the APC/C is activated, triggering the degradation of Cyclin B and Securin, thereby allowing anaphase onset. Compared to somatic cells, the SAC in oocytes is not as effective because cells can undergo anaphase despite having unattached KTs. Understanding why the SAC is more permissive and if this permissiveness is one of the causes of chromosome segregation errors in oocytes still needs further investigation. The present protocol describes the three techniques to comprehensively evaluate SAC integrity in mouse oocytes. These techniques include using nocodazole to depolymerize MTs to evaluate the SAC response, tracking SAC silencing by following the kinetics of Securin destruction, and evaluating the recruitment of MAD2 to KTs by immunofluorescence. Together these techniques probe mechanisms needed to produce healthy eggs by providing a complete evaluation of SAC integrity.

Error in chromosome segregation is a common feature in oocytes. Therefore, studying the spindle assembly checkpoint gives important clues about the mechanisms needed to produce healthy eggs. The present protocol describes three complementary assays to evaluate spindle assembly checkpoint integrity in mouse oocytes.

Aneuploidy is the leading genetic abnormality causing early miscarriage and pregnancy failure in humans. Most errors in chromosome segregation that give ...

Multi-Photon Laser Ablation of Cytoplasmic Microtubule Organizing Centers in Mouse Oocytes

The fidelity of oocyte meiosis is critical for generating developmentally competent euploid eggs. In mammals, the oocyte undergoes a lengthy arrest at prophase I of the first meiotic division. After puberty and upon meiotic resumption, the nuclear membrane disassembles (nuclear envelope breakdown), and the spindle is assembled mainly at the oocyte center. Initial central spindle positioning is essential to protect against abnormal kinetochore-microtubule (MT) attachments and aneuploidy. The centrally positioned spindle migrates in a time-sensitive manner toward the cortex, and this is a necessary process to extrude a tiny polar body. In mitotic cells, spindle positioning relies on the interaction between centrosome-mediated astral MTs and the cell cortex. On the contrary, mouse oocytes lack classic centrosomes and, instead, contain numerous acentriolar MT organizing centers (MTOCs). At the metaphase I stage, mouse oocytes have two different sets of MTOCs: (1) MTOCs that are clustered and sorted to assemble spindle poles (polar MTOCs), and (2) metaphase cytoplasmic MTOCs (mcMTOCs) that remain in the cytoplasm and do not contribute directly to spindle formation but play a crucial role in regulating spindle positioning and timely spindle migration. Here, a multi-photon laser ablation method is described to selectively deplete endogenously labeled mcMTOCs in oocytes collected from Cep192-eGfp reporter mice. This method contributes to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying spindle positioning and migration in mammalian oocytes.

An optimized protocol is presented that enables the depletion of cytoplasmic microtubule organizing centers in mouse oocytes during metaphase I using a near-infrared femtosecond laser.

The fidelity of oocyte meiosis is critical for generating developmentally competent euploid eggs. In mammals, the oocyte undergoes a lengthy arrest at ...

Identifying DNA Damage in Prophase-Arrested Oocytes of Mice

Detection of DNA Double-Stranded Breaks in Mouse Oocytes

Oocytes are amongst the biggest and most long-lived cells in the female body. They are formed in the ovaries during embryonic development and remain arrested at the prophase of meiosis I. The quiescent state may last for years until the oocytes receive a stimulus to grow and obtain the competency to resume meiosis. This protracted state of arrest makes them extremely susceptible to accumulating DNA-damaging insults, which affect the genetic integrity of the female gametes and, therefore, the genetic integrity of the future embryo. 
Consequently, the development of an accurate method to detect DNA damage, which is the first step for the establishment of DNA damage response mechanisms, is of vital importance. This paper describes a common protocol to test the presence and progress of DNA damage in prophase-arrested oocytes during a period of 20 h. Specifically, we dissect mouse ovaries, retrieve the cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), remove the cumulus cells from the COCs, and culture the oocytes in &#924;2 medium containing 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine to maintain the state of arrest. Thereafter, the oocytes are treated with the cytotoxic, antineoplasmic drug, etoposide, to engender double-strand breaks (DSBs). 
By using immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy, we detect and quantify the levels of the core protein &#947;H2AX, which is the phosphorylated form of the histone H2AX. H2AX becomes phosphorylated at the sites of DSBs after DNA damage. The inability to restore DNA integrity following DNA damage in oocytes can lead to infertility, birth defects, and increased rates of spontaneous abortions. Therefore, the understanding of DNA damage response mechanisms and, at the same time, the establishment of an intact method for studying these mechanisms are essential for reproductive biology research.

Author Spotlight: Understanding DNA Damage Response in Mammalian Oocytes and Preimplantation Embryos 

Maintaining oocyte genome integrity is necessary to ensure the genetic fidelity in the resulting embryo. Here, we present an accurate protocol for detecting DNA double-strand breaks in mammalian female germ cells.

Oocytes are amongst the biggest and most long-lived cells in the female body. They are formed in the ovaries during embryonic development and remain ...

Mouse Oocyte Microinjection, Maturation and Ploidy Assessment

Mistakes in chromosome segregation lead to aneuploid cells. In somatic cells, aneuploidy is associated with cancer but in gametes, aneuploidy leads to infertility, miscarriages or developmental disorders like Down syndrome. Haploid gametes form through species-specific developmental programs that are coupled to meiosis. The first meiotic division (MI) is unique to meiosis because sister chromatids remain attached while homologous chromosomes are segregated. For reasons not fully understood, this reductional division is prone to errors and is more commonly the source of aneuploidy than errors in meiosis II (MII) or than errors in male meiosis 1,2. 
In mammals, oocytes arrest at prophase of MI with a large, intact germinal vesicle (GV; nucleus) and only resume meiosis when they receive ovulatory cues. Once meiosis resumes, oocytes complete MI and undergo an asymmetric cell division, arresting again at metaphase of MII. Eggs will not complete MII until they are fertilized by sperm. Oocytes also can undergo meiotic maturation using established in vitro culture conditions 3. Because generation of transgenic and gene-targeted mouse mutants is costly and can take long periods of time, manipulation of female gametes in vitro is a more economical and time-saving strategy. 
Here, we describe methods to isolate prophase-arrested oocytes from mice and for microinjection. Any material of choice may be introduced into the oocyte, but because meiotically-competent oocytes are transcriptionally silent 4,5 cRNA, and not DNA, must be injected for ectopic expression studies. To assess ploidy, we describe our conditions for in vitro maturation of oocytes to MII eggs. Historically, chromosome-spreading techniques are used for counting chromosome number 6. This method is technically challenging and is limited to only identifying hyperploidies. Here, we describe a method to determine hypo-and hyperploidies using intact eggs 7-8. This method uses monastrol, a kinesin-5 inhibitor, that collapses the bipolar spindle into a monopolar spindle 9 thus separating chromosomes such that individual kinetochores can readily be detected and counted by using an anti-CREST autoimmune serum. Because this method is performed in intact eggs, chromosomes are not lost due to operator error.

Oocytes are prone to aneuploidy due to errors in chromosome segregation during meiotic maturation. Aneuploid eggs can cause infertility, miscarriages or developmental disorders like Down syndrome. Here, we describe methods to introduce materials of choice into oocytes and methods to study meiotic maturation and assess ploidy.

Mistakes in chromosome segregation lead to aneuploid cells.  In somatic cells, aneuploidy is associated with cancer but in gametes, aneuploidy leads to ...

Techniques for Imaging Prometaphase and Metaphase of Meiosis I in Fixed Drosophila Oocytes

Chromosome segregation in human oocytes is error prone, resulting in aneuploidy, which is the leading genetic cause of miscarriage and birth defects. The study of chromosome behavior in oocytes from model organisms holds much promise to uncover the molecular basis of the susceptibility of human oocytes to aneuploidy. Drosophila melanogaster is amenable to genetic manipulation, with over 100 years of research, community, and technique development. Visualizing chromosome behavior and spindle assembly in Drosophila oocytes has particular challenges, however, due primarily to the presence of membranes surrounding the oocyte that are impenetrable to antibodies. We describe here protocols for the collection, preparation, and imaging of meiosis I spindle assembly and chromosome behavior in Drosophila oocytes, which allow the molecular dissection of chromosome segregation in this important model organism.

Techniques for Imaging Prometaphase and Metaphase of Meiosis I in Fixed Drosophila Oocytes

We present protocols for the collection, preparation, and imaging of mature Drosophila oocytes. These methods allow the visualization of chromosome behavior and spindle assembly and function during meiosis.

Chromosome segregation in human oocytes is error prone, resulting in aneuploidy, which is the leading genetic cause of miscarriage and birth defects. The ...

Impact of Cytoskeleton on Nuclear Shape and Condensate Dynamics in Mouse Oocytes

Capturing Cytoskeleton-Based Agitation of the Mouse Oocyte Nucleus Across Spatial Scales

A major challenge in understanding the causes of female infertility is to elucidate mechanisms governing the development of female germ cells, named oocytes. Their development is marked by cell growth and subsequent divisions, two critical phases that prepare the oocyte for fusion with sperm to initiate embryogenesis. During growth, oocytes reorganize their cytoplasm to position the nucleus at the cell center, an event predictive of successful oocyte development in mice and humans and, thus, their embryogenic potential. In mouse oocytes, this cytoplasmic reorganization was shown to be driven by the cytoskeleton, the activity of which generates mechanical forces that agitate, reposition, and penetrate the nucleus. Consequently, this cytoplasmic-to-nucleoplasmic force transmission tunes the dynamics of nuclear RNA-processing organelles known as biomolecular condensates. This protocol provides an experimental framework to document, with high temporal resolution, the impact of the cytoskeleton on the nucleus across spatial scales in mouse oocytes. It details the imaging and image analysis steps and tools necessary to evaluate i) cytoskeletal activity in the oocyte cytoplasm, ii) cytoskeleton-based agitation of the oocyte nucleus, and iii) its effects on biomolecular condensate dynamics in the oocyte nucleoplasm. Beyond oocyte biology, the methods elaborated here can be adapted for use in somatic cells to similarly address cytoskeleton-based tuning of nuclear dynamics across scales.

Author Spotlight: Elucidating the Dynamics of Mechano-Transduction and Nuclear Agitation in Mouse Oocytes

This protocol provides an experimental framework to document the physical impact of the cytoskeleton on nuclear shape and the internal membrane-less organelles in the mouse oocyte system. The framework can be adapted for use in other cell types and contexts.

A major challenge in understanding the causes of female infertility is to elucidate mechanisms governing the development of female germ cells, named ...

Meiotic Spindle Assessment in Mouse Oocytes by siRNA-mediated Silencing

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Chromatin Spread Preparations for the Analysis of Mouse Oocyte Progression from Prophase to Metaphase II

Using Mouse Oocytes to Assess Human Gene Function During Meiosis I

Use of Single Molecule Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (SM-FISH) to Quantify and Localize mRNAs in Murine Oocytes

Human Egg Maturity Assessment and Its Clinical Application

Evaluation of the Spindle Assembly Checkpoint Integrity in Mouse Oocytes

Multi-Photon Laser Ablation of Cytoplasmic Microtubule Organizing Centers in Mouse Oocytes

Detection of DNA Double-Stranded Breaks in Mouse Oocytes

Mouse Oocyte Microinjection, Maturation and Ploidy Assessment

Techniques for Imaging Prometaphase and Metaphase of Meiosis I in Fixed Drosophila Oocytes

Capturing Cytoskeleton-Based Agitation of the Mouse Oocyte Nucleus Across Spatial Scales