Anderson Richard A, Marston Adele L, Telfer Evelyn E
Centre for Reproductive Health, Institute for Repair and Regeneration, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
The Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, Institute of Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
Reprod Biomed Online. 2025 Apr;50(4):104804. doi: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2025.104804.
Mammalian fertility depends on the production of an oocyte capable of fertilization and supporting early embryo development. This requires both cytoplasmic and nuclear, i.e. chromosomal, competence, processes that were initiated decades prior to ovulation. Current demographic changes with delayed motherhood are increasingly in conflict with these biological processes. This brief review highlights the key stages in oocyte development, as well as recent findings that continue to inform on how the oocyte is able to maintain function over such a prolonged period. These include minimizing oocyte damage caused by the production of reactive oxygen species, the importance of intercellular communication with the surrounding somatic cells, and the molecular mechanisms that underpin the fidelity of chromosome cohesion and then separation at the resumption of meiosis. Some of these are already approaching clinical testing and interventions, with new approaches in the coming years potentially being able to 'put back the clock' to improve oocyte quality.
哺乳动物的生育能力取决于能否产生一个能够受精并支持早期胚胎发育的卵母细胞。这既需要细胞质能力，也需要细胞核（即染色体）能力，这些过程在排卵前几十年就已启动。当前随着母亲生育年龄推迟而出现的人口结构变化，正日益与这些生物学过程相冲突。本简要综述重点介绍了卵母细胞发育的关键阶段，以及一些最新研究发现，这些发现持续为我们揭示卵母细胞如何在如此长的时间内维持功能。其中包括尽量减少活性氧产生对卵母细胞造成的损害、与周围体细胞进行细胞间通讯的重要性，以及减数分裂恢复时染色体凝聚和随后分离保真度的分子机制。其中一些研究已接近临床试验和干预阶段，未来几年的新方法有可能“让时光倒流”以提高卵母细胞质量。
