Epigenetic events in mammalian germ-cell development: reprogramming and beyond.
The epigenetic profile of germ cells, which is defined by modifications of DNA and chromatin, changes dynamically during their development. Many of the changes are associated with the acquisition of the capacity to support post-fertilization development. Our knowledge of this aspect has greatly increased- for example, insights into how the re-establishment of parental imprints is regulated. In addition, an emerging theme from recent studies is that epigenetic modifiers have key roles in germ-cell development itself--for example, epigenetics contributes to the gene-expression programme that is required for germ-cell development, regulation of meiosis and genomic integrity. Understanding epigenetic regulation in germ cells has implications for reproductive engineering technologies and human health.
Sasaki
Hiroyuki
H
Department of Integrated Genetics, National Institute of Genetics, Research Organization of Information and Systems, School of Life Science, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, Yata, Mishima, Japan. hisasaki@lab.nig.ac.jp
Matsui
Yasuhisa
Y
D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian; D053595:Embryonic Stem Cells / Q000502:physiology; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic / Q000502:physiology*; D005854:Germ Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008322:Mammals / Q000235:genetics; D008540:Meiosis / Q000235:genetics; D008954:Models, Biological; D018626:Retroelements / Q000235:genetics
D018626:Retroelements