Maternal mRNAs with distinct 3' UTRs define the temporal pattern of synthesis during mouse oocyte meiotic maturation.

The final stages of female gamete maturation occur in the virtual absence of transcription, with gene expression driven by a program of selective unmasking, translation, and degradation of maternal mRNAs. Here we demonstrate that the timing of mRNA translation in mouse oocytes is dependent on the presence of transcripts with different 3' untranslated regions (UTRs). This 3' UTR heterogeneity directs distinct temporal patterns of translational activation or repression. Inclusion or exclusion of -acting elements is responsible for these divergent regulations. Our findings reveal an additional layer of translation control through alternative polyadenylation usage required to fine-tune the timing of meiosis progression.