Mechanisms of Maternal mRNA Regulation in Oogenesis and Early Embryogenesis of *C. elegans*

Caenorhabditis elegans is a well-established model system for studying the genetic pathways and molecular mechanisms that guide reproduction. Recent research in this area has focused on the contribution of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) in regulating maternal mRNAs through interactions with the 3ʹ untranslated region of maternal transcripts. This work has identified sequence motifs and cis-regulatory elements in maternal mRNAs needed for their regulation. However, the connection between binding specificity, mRNA regulation, and reproductive phenotypes is not fully understood. This gap provides opportunities for further investigation that is essential for a comprehensive understanding of reproduction in C. elegans.This Research Topic aims to shed light on the molecular mechanisms involved in maternal mRNA regulation during gametogenesis and early embryogenesis in C. elegans. Additionally, the topic seeks to establish hypotheses regarding the in vivo relationships between RBPs, sequence motifs, and their impact on mRNA translation and stability during vital reproductive stages. To gather further insights into mRNA regulation, the topic also focuses on connections between RNA-regulatory factors and molecular features of maternal transcripts that impact reproduction. We welcome articles that address the following themes, though other related discoveries are also welcome:Insights into translatability and stability of maternal mRNAs, including cap status, ribosome association, and tail identity.Defining the role of RNA-binding proteins and their mechanism of mRNA in the germline and early embryos.Identification and analysis of sequence motifs and cis-regulatory elements in germline mRNAsSpatial-temporal coordination of mRNA regulation during germline and embryo developmentIn vivo studies linking biochemical properties of RNA-binding proteins (such as binding specificity) to phenotypes.Comparative analyses between related nematode species to identify conserved regulatory pathways By thoroughly exploring these themes, the Research Topic intends to build a framework for understanding how post-transcriptional regulation of germline mRNAs impacts reproductive biology in Caenorhabditis elegans. Topic editors: Sean Ryder, Erik Griffin Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/76269/mechanisms-of-maternal-mrna-regulation-in-oogenesis-and-early-embryogenesis-of-c-elegans