Control of the oocyte-to-embryo transition by the ubiquitin–proteolytic system in mouse and C. elegans

In metazoans the oocyte-to-embryo transition occurs in the absence of mRNA transcription and relies entirely on maternally provided mRNA and proteins. We review here recent findings illustrating the importance of degradation of key proteins allowing essential cell cycle transitions as well as important remodelling of the oocyte to produce a totipotent zygote. By following the chronological order of events, we update recent discoveries on the instrumental role of the cullin-RING and APC/C ubiquitin-ligases in promoting meiosis resumption and the oocyte-to-embryo transition.