Mechanisms of kinetochore ‐microtubule attachment errors in mammalian oocytes

Proper kinetochore‐microtubule attachment is essential for correct chromosome segregation. Therefore, cells normally possess multiple mechanisms for the prevention of errors in kinetochore‐microtubule attachments and for selective stabilization of correct attachments. However, the oocyte, a cell that produces an egg through meiosis, exhibits a high frequency of errors in kinetochore‐microtubule attachments. These attachment errors predispose oocytes to chromosome segregation errors, resulting in aneuploidy in eggs. This review aims to provide possible explanations for the error‐prone nature of oocytes by examining key differences among other cell types in the mechanisms for the establishment of kinetochore‐microtubule attachments.

Errors in kinetochore‐microtubule attachment during meiosis in oocytes can cause aneuploidy in eggs, which results in pregnancy loss and congenital diseases. This manuscript aims to address possible explanations to the kinetochore‐microtubule attachment errors.

Source: Development, Growth and Differentiation - December 1, 2017 Category: Research Authors: Tomoya S. Kitajima Tags: Review Source Type: research