Decoding zebrafish oogenesis: From primordial germ cell development to fertilization

Abstract

Oogenesis – the formation and development of an oocyte – is fundamental to reproduction and embryonic development. Due to its accessibility to genetic manipulations and the ability to culture and experimentally manipulate oocytes ex vivo, zebrafish has emerged as a powerful vertebrate model system for studying oogenesis. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of zebrafish oogenesis, from early germ cell formation to oocyte maturation and fertilization. We discuss recent advances in uncovering the molecular and cellular mechanisms driving this complex process and highlight key knowledge gaps that remain to be addressed.