Lsm14b, a member of the LSM (Like-Sm) protein family, is an oocyte-specific RNA-binding protein [1]. It is crucial for maternal mRNA metabolism and oocyte development. Lsm14b is associated with networks essential for oogenesis, and its functions are related to mRNA storage, translation, and clearance, which are vital for the success of oogenesis and the quality of eggs [1,2,3]. Genetic models, especially knockout mouse models, are valuable for studying Lsm14b.

Deletion of Lsm14b in mouse models leads to female-specific infertility [1]. Lsm14b knockout oocytes are incompetent to complete meiosis and early embryogenesis [1]. The knockout prevents proper mRNA storage and timely clearance, disrupting the assembly of the mitochondria-associated ribonucleoprotein domain (MARDO) during oocyte growth and meiotic maturation [2]. Lsm14b deficiency also impairs primordial follicle assembly, causes mRNA reduction in non-growing oocytes, and disrupts maternal mRNA accumulation and translation in fully grown oocytes [3]. Moreover, loss of Lsm14b leads to abnormal oocyte MII arrest, aberrant transcriptional activation, and abnormal chromosome assembly and segregation, along with changes in the expression and localization of cytoplasmic processing body (P-body) components [4].

In conclusion, Lsm14b is indispensable for female fertility, specifically controlling oocyte mRNA storage, stability, and translation during oogenesis [1,2,3]. The study of Lsm14b knockout mouse models has revealed its key role in oocyte development and meiotic maturation, providing insights into the mechanisms underlying female infertility [1,2,3,4].

References:

1. Li, Hui, Zhao, Hailian, Yang, Chunhui, Xue, Yuanchao, Su, You-Qiang. 2023. LSM14B is an Oocyte-Specific RNA-Binding Protein Indispensable for Maternal mRNA Metabolism and Oocyte Development in Mice. In Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany), 10, e2300043. doi:10.1002/advs.202300043. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37083226/

2. Wan, Yanling, Yang, Shuang, Li, Tongtong, Chen, Zi-Jiang, Liu, Hongbin. . LSM14B is essential for oocyte meiotic maturation by regulating maternal mRNA storage and clearance. In Nucleic acids research, 51, 11652-11667. doi:10.1093/nar/gkad919. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37889087/

3. Shan, Li-Ying, Tian, Yu, Liu, Wen-Xiang, Zhou, Yang, Zhang, Teng. 2023. LSM14B controls oocyte mRNA storage and stability to ensure female fertility. In Cellular and molecular life sciences : CMLS, 80, 247. doi:10.1007/s00018-023-04898-2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37578641/

4. Zhang, Huiru, Zhang, Tao, Wan, Xiang, Yu, Luping, Wu, Xin. 2023. LSM14B coordinates protein component expression in the P-body and controls oocyte maturation. In Journal of genetics and genomics = Yi chuan xue bao, 51, 48-60. doi:10.1016/j.jgg.2023.07.006. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37481122/