Mechanism through which MTFP1 is involved in bovine oocyte maturation [RNA-seq]

Oocyte maturation is a complex process that is regulated by a variety of factors. Mitochondria are a key factor affecting oocyte maturation in vitro. Mitochondrial fission process 1 (MTFP1) is located on the inner mitochondrial membrane and mediates the fission of this membrane. However, the role and mechanism of action of MTFP1 in bovine oocyte maturation are still unclear. We found that MTFP1 is expressed at all stages of bovine oocyte maturation. Moreover, MTFP1 knockdown decreased oocyte maturation efficiency. These observations, combined with our transcriptome sequencing results, showed that MTFP1 knockdown caused mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired nuclear cytoplasmic maturation, promoted mitochondrial fusion, induced mitophagy and decreased oocyte apoptosis. In summary, the inner mitochondrial membrane protein MTFP1 plays a crucial role in bovine oocyte maturation. The results provide a reference and theoretical basis for improving the quality of in vitro oocyte maturation and breeding efficiency in beef cattle Overall design: Transcriptome differences between negative control group and MTFP1 knockdown group in MII stage of bovine oocytes matured in vitro