Fas-associated protein factor 1 is involved in meiotic resumption in mouse oocytes

Fas-associated protein factor 1 (FAF1) is a Fas-associated protein that functions in multiple cellular processes. Previous research showed that mutations in Faf1 led to the lethality of cleavage stage embryos in a mouse model. The aim of the present study was to analyze the expression pattern, localization, and function of FAF1 in meiotic resumption of mouse oocytes. FAF1 was exclusively expressed in oocytes at various follicular stages within the ovary and was predominantly localized in the cytoplasm of growing oocytes. Furthermore, Faf1 mRNA and protein were persistently present during oocyte maturation and Faf1 mRNA levels were similar in the germinal vesicle (GV), GV breakdown (GVBD), and metaphase II (MII) stages of oocytes. Moreover, knockdown of Faf1 in GV-stage oocytes led to a significantly decreased rate of GVBD. To our knowledge, these results provide the first evidence regarding a novel function of FAF1 in meiotic resumption in mouse oocytes.