Lsm14b, a member of the LSM (Like-Sm) protein family, is an oocyte-specific RNA-binding protein [1]. It is essential for maternal mRNA metabolism and oocyte development, playing a crucial role in mammalian oogenesis [1]. Lsm14b-associated pathways likely involve the regulation of mRNA storage, translation, and clearance, which are vital for oocyte meiotic maturation and early embryogenesis [1,2,3]. Genetic models, especially mouse models, have been valuable in studying its functions.

In gene knockout (KO) mouse models, deletion of Lsm14b leads to female-specific infertility [1]. Lsm14b-deficient oocytes are incompetent to complete meiosis and early embryogenesis [1]. The knockout disrupts primordial follicle assembly and causes mRNA reduction in non-growing oocytes, along with impaired assembly of P-body-like granules [3]. It also impairs maternal mRNA accumulation and translation in fully grown oocytes, due to the dissolution of mitochondria-associated ribonucleoprotein domain (MARDO) components [3]. Moreover, Lsm14b-deficient oocytes show abnormal transcriptional activation, chromosome assembly and segregation, and altered expression and localization of P-body components [4].

In conclusion, Lsm14b is indispensable for oocyte development and female fertility, controlling oocyte mRNA storage, stability, and translation [1,2,3]. The Lsm14b KO mouse models have significantly contributed to understanding its role in female reproductive diseases, highlighting its importance in maintaining normal oocyte meiotic maturation and early embryonic development [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/