Zygote arrest protein 1 (ZAR1)

Zygote arrest protein 1 (ZAR1) is an oocyte-specific, maternal-effect RNA-binding protein containing a zinc finger domain, necessary for the transition from oocyte to embryo in mammals[1][3]. ZAR1 mediates the formation of membraneless ribonucleoprotein compartments (MARDOs) that store maternal mRNAs in oocytes, repressing their translation until the appropriate developmental stage[3]. ZAR1 ensures that maternal mRNAs are properly stored, translated, or degraded, facilitating successful embryonic development after fertilization. Loss of function in ZAR1 leads to female infertility: oocytes and early fertilization appear normal, but embryos arrest at the one-cell stage due to defective maternal mRNA handling, with rare progression to the two-cell stage, and complete failure to develop further[1][3][5]. ZAR1 does not serve as a known therapeutic drug target, receptor, or enzyme and is not associated with specific drugs, safety concerns, or established roles as a biomarker.

Other names

ZAR1Z3CXXC6zinc finger 3CxxC-type 6oocyte-specific maternal effect factorzar1 proteinzygote arrest gene