Changes in patterns of protein synthesis in axolotl oocytes during progesterone-induced maturation.

Patterns of protein phosphorylation and synthesis during axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) oocyte maturation were studied by incorporation of [32P]orthophosphate and [35S]methionine into polypeptides, followed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Various alterations were observed after progesterone treatment: de novo appearance of [35S]methionine-labelled polypeptides, a quantitative increase in previously synthesized proteins and a quantitative decrease in or disappearance of other previously synthesized proteins. Changes in 32P- and 35S-labelling were observed very early during maturation. Neither prior oocyte enucleation nor alpha-amanitin treatment had a significant effect on these changes. Stimulation with MPF provided the same final protein pattern as PG treatment. However, cholera toxin inhibited all the changes seen during maturation. Comparisons between the patterns of [35S]methionine- and [32P]phosphate-labelling provide further information on the biochemical events that take place during oocyte maturation.