ZSCAN4 functions as a safeguard to maintain centromere integrity during oocyte meiosis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Centromeres play a vital role in ensuring accurate chromosome segregation during meiosis by serving as the foundation for kinetochore assembly and microtubule attachment. In oocytes, maintaining centromere integrity is particularly critical due to the extended arrest period prior to meiotic resumption. However, the molecular safeguards that preserve centromere structure and function throughout oocyte maturation remain poorly understood.

Results

Here, we identify ZSCAN4 as an essential regulator of centromere integrity during mouse oocyte meiosis. ZSCAN4 depletion leads to a marked reduction in key centromeric and kinetochore proteins, including CENP-A, accompanied by aberrant centromere stretching under spindle tension. Mechanistically, ZSCAN4 promotes pericentrom

SUBMITTER: Choi DY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12261598 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature