Vol 49, No 1 (2011)
Review paper
Published online: 2011-04-19
Proteomics of M-phase entry: ‘Omen’ vs. ‘Omre’, the battle for oocyte quality and beyond
DOI: 10.5603/FHC.2011.0001
Folia Histochem Cytobiol 2011;49(1):1-7.
Abstract
The understanding of cell cycle regulation benefited greatly from omic approaches. Because the cell
cycle engine relies heavily on proteins, proteomic methods play a key role in identification of cell cycle players.
The proteomic approach delivers an enormous volume of data, but it often lacks comprehensiveness. To ensure
the comprehensiveness of results the discovery of novel proteins must be followed by functional analysis. Using
Xenopus laevis oocytes in two different proteomic screens, we have recently identified a number of proteins
whose behavior suggested specific and unexpected roles in M-phase entry. Functional analysis of EP45 identified
in one of these screens has shown that M-phase entry is stimulated by Oocyte-Maturation-ENhancer (‘Omen’)
activity. The second screen suggests the presence of an antagonistic activity, which we call ‘Omre’ (Oocyte-
-Maturation-REpressor). The equilibrium between Omen and Omre activities may determine the quality of
oocytes and further embryo development via participation in making the decision whether to enter oocyte maturation.
It remains an open question whether similar activities operate during mitotic divisions in embryonic and
adult cells. Identifying such activities in somatic cells might impact on cancer treatments. (Folia Histochemica
et Cytobiologica 2011, Vol. 49, No. 1, 1–7)
Keywords: Bet-hedgingcell cycleEP45M-phase entryoocyteproteomicsXenopus laevis
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