Isolation of a cDNA encoding the X enopus homologue of mammalian Cdc25A that can induce meiotic maturation of oocytes.

From a cDNA library of Xenopus laevis (Xl) oocytes, we isolated a cDNA encoding a putative protein phosphatase homologous to mammalian Cdc25A. Sequence analysis predicts that the Xl cdc25A gene product (Xl Cdc25A) consists of 521 amino acid residues and shares overall 55% identity with human Cdc25A. When its mRNA is injected into Xl oocytes, Xl Cdc25A can act as a potent M phase inducer.