Germ cells divide and differentiate in a unique local microenvironment under the control of somatic cells. Signals released in this niche instruct oocyte reentry into the meiotic cell cycle. Once ...

This Journal feature begins with a case vignette highlighting a common clinical problem. Evidence supporting various strategies is then presented, followed by a review of formal guidelines, when they ...

The accumulation of misfolded or damaged proteins in long-lived, non-dividing cells like neurons are linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. A study now finds that the build-up of these ...

Mechanistic model for MTOC maturation in GV oocytes. The MTOC (grey) activates near the oocyte cortex, which requires recruitment of CKAP5 and TACC3. After activation, MTOC migrates to the nuclear ...

Oocytes are immature egg cells that develop in almost all female mammals before birth. The propagation of future generations depends on this finite reserve of cells surviving for many years without ...

ELVAs pictured under a microscope. The ‘superorganelle’ roams the cytoplasm, capturing and holding onto toxic protein aggregates to protect oocytes from their toxic effects. Oocytes are immature egg ...