Abstract: Matrimony (Mtrm) acts as a negative regulator of Polo kinase (Polo) during the later stages of G2 arrest. Indeed, both the repression of Polo expression until stage 11 and the inactivation of newly synthesized Polo by Mtrm until stage 13 play critical roles in maintaining and properly terminating G2 arrest. Our data suggest a model in which the eventual activation of Cdc25 by an excess of Polo at stage 13 triggers NEB and entry into prometaphase. In view of the foregoing, methods for modulating oocyte maturation are provided. More particularly, methods are provided for in vitro maturation of an oocyte. Further provided are methods for identifying functional orthologs of a Drosophila Matrimony polypeptide, as well as inhibitors thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to Matrimony (Mtrm) nucleotide sequences, polypeptides expressed from the nucleotide sequences and methods employing the Mtrm nucleotide and polypeptide sequences. The Mtrm nucleotide sequences of the invention express a dosage dependent polypeptide that mediates achiasmate chromosome disjunction. In particular, reduction in the amount of the Mtrm polypeptide will cause nondisjunction in the achiasmate chromosomes.