“Meiosis arrester” C‐natriuretic peptide directly stimulates oocyte mtDNA accumulation and is implicated in aging‐associated oocyte mtDNA loss

Abstract C‐natriuretic peptide (CNP) is the central regulator of oocyte meiosis progression, thus coordinating synchronization of oocyte nuclear‐cytoplasmic maturation. However, whether CNP can independently regulate cytoplasmic maturation has been long overlooked. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) accumulation is the hallmark event of cytoplasmic maturation, but the mechanism underlying oocyte mtDNA replication remains largely elusive. Herein, we report that CNP can directly stimulate oocyte mtDNA replication at GV stage, and deficiency of follicular CNP may contribute largely to lower mtDNA copy number in in vitro matured oocytes. The mechanistic study showed that cAMP‐PKA‐CREB1 signaling cascade underlies the regulatory role of CNP in stimulating mtDNA replication and upregulating related genes. Of interest, we also report that CNP‐NPR2 signaling is inhibited in aging follicles, and this inhibition is implicated in lower mtDNA copy number in oocytes from aging females. Together, our study provides the first direct functional link between follicular CNP and oocyte mtDNA replication, and identifies its involvement in aging‐associated mtDNA loss in oocytes. These findings, not only update the current knowledge of the functions of CNP in coordinating oocyte maturation but also present a promising strategy for improving in vitro fertilization outcomes of aging females.