Histone modifications during mammalian oocyte maturation: Dynamics,regulation and functions

Histone modifications are associated with many fundamental biological processes in cells. An emerging notion from recent studies is that meiosis stage-dependent histone modifications are crucial for the oocyte development in mammals. In this paper, we review the changes and regulation as well as functions of histone modifications during meiotic maturation of mammalian oocyte, with particular emphasis on histone acetylation, phosphorylation and methylation. In general, dynamic and differential modification patterns have been revealed during oocyte maturation, indicative of functional requirement. Disruption of histone modifications leads to defective chromosome condensation and segregation, delayed maturation progression and even oocyte aging. Although several histone-modifying enzymes have been identified in mammalian oocytes, more works are necessary to determine how they direct histone modifications globally and individually in oocytes. Studies on chromatin modification during oocyte development will have implications for our understanding of the mechanisms controlling nuclear architecture and genomic stability in female germ line.