Hormone-triggered activation of dormant mRNAs in female meiosis (B06)

• Subject Area: Cell Biology
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 550938463

In vertebrates, immature oocytes are arrested at prophase of meiosis I. Hormonal stimulation triggers a translational program that causes oocytes to resume meiosis and mature into fertilisable eggs. This project aims to uncover how the signalling cascade triggered by the hormone stimulus affects the translational state of distinct mRNAs encoding proteins controlling oocyte maturation. A particular focus will be on the translational regulators PABPC1L and PATL2 and how their activity is modulated in response to hormonal stimulation. In sum, our studies will provide key insights into the hormone-induced mechanisms ensuring the formation of healthy, fertilisable eggs.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1756: Chemical and Biological Principles of Cellular Trigger Responses
• Applicant Institution: Universität Konstanz
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Thomas Mayer