Characterization and expression of a maternal axolotl cyclin B1 during oogenesis and early development.

The M phase promoting factor (MPF) is a dimer composed of a catalytic Cdk1 subunit and a Cyclin B regulatory subunit. We have characterized a cDNA containing the entire coding sequence of an axolotl Cyclin B1 protein that is able to promote MPF activity when added to a fraction from prophase I oocytes that contains monomeric Cdk1. The axolotl cyclin B1 gene is expressed as a maternal mRNA in oocytes and early embryos.

Importin beta is transported to spindle poles during mitosis and regulates Ran-dependent spindle assembly factors in mammalian cells.

Spatial control is a key issue in cell division. The Ran GTPase regulates several fundamental processes for cell life, largely acting through importin molecules. The best understood of these is protein import through the nuclear envelope in interphase, but roles in mitotic spindle assembly are also established.

Cdc2-cyclin B triggers H3 kinase activation of Aurora-A in Xenopus oocytes.

Xenopus oocytes are arrested in meiotic prophase I and resume meiotic divisions in response to progesterone. Progesterone triggers activation of M-phase promoting factor (MPF) or Cdc2-cyclin B complex and neosynthesis of Mos kinase, responsible for MAPK activation. Both Cdc2 and MAPK activities are required for the success of meiotic maturation.

Progesterone regulates the accumulation and the activation of Eg2 kinase in Xenopus oocytes.

Xenopus prophase oocytes reenter meiotic division in response to progesterone. The signaling pathway leading to Cdc2 activation depends on neosynthesized proteins and a decrease in PKA activity. We demonstrate that Eg2 protein, a Xenopus member of the Aurora/Ipl1 family of protein kinases, accumulates in response to progesterone and is degraded after parthenogenetic activation.