Microtubule‑severing protein Katanin p60 ATPase‑containing subunit A‑like 1 is involved in pole‑based spindle organization during mouse oocyte meiosis.

Microtubule‑severing proteins (MTSPs) are a group of microtubule‑associated proteins essential for multiple microtubule‑related processes, including mitosis and meiosis. Katanin p60 ATPase‑containing subunit A‑like 1 (p60 katanin‑like 1) is an MTSP that maintains the density of spindle microtubules at the poles in mitotic cells; however, to date, there have been no studies about its role in female meiosis. Using in vitro‑matured (IVM) oocytes as a model, it was first revealed that p60 katanin‑like 1 was predominant in the ovaries and oocytes, indicating its essential roles in oocyte meiosis. It was also revealed that p60 katanin‑like 1 was concentrated at the spindle poles and co‑localized and interacted with γ‑tubulin, indicating that it may be involved in pole organization. Next, specific siRNA was used to deplete p60 katanin‑like 1; the spindle organization was severely disrupted and characterized by an abnormal width:length ratio, multipolarity and extra aster microtubules out of the main spindles. Finally, it was determined that p60 katanin‑like 1 knockdown retarded oocyte meiosis, reduced fertilization, and caused abnormal mitochondrial distribution. Collectively, these results indicated that p60 katanin‑like 1 is essential for oocyte meiosis by ensuring the integrity of the spindle poles.

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