Axis and germ line deficiencies caused by u.v. irradiation of Xenopus oocytes cultured in vitro

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Abstract
An intriguing aspect of developmental biology is the extent to which early development is controlled by the spatial arrangement of molecules in the oocyte. Ultraviolet (u.v.) irradiation of the vegetal pole of the fertilized egg of Xenopus laevis affects both the development of the embryonic dorsal axis and also the formation of primordial germ cells (PGCs). However, the importance of cytoplasmic localization in the oocyte has been difficult to assess because, until recently, it has proved impossible to mature and fertilize cultured oocytes routinely. In this report, we describe a method for routinely maturing and fertilizing cultured oocytes of Xenopus. We find that the u.v.-sensitive period for PGC and dorsal axis formation extends back into stage-VI oocytes, thus demonstrating a true oocyte contribution to these processes. This method also allows greater time for experimental intervention and should facilitate the eventual isolation of the molecules concerned.