Resetting the epigenome beyond pluripotency in the germline.
Germ cells undergo comprehensive epigenetic reprogramming toward acquiring fitness for pluripotency and totipotency. Notably, the full extent of the epigenetic reprogramming experienced by germ cells remains unmatched by attempts to experimentally restore pluripotency in somatic cells. We propose that the defects present in experimentally generated cells are corrected upon differentiation into the germ cell lineage, as has been observed in cases of germline transmission. Unraveling the mechanisms responsible for germ cell-specific epigenetic reprogramming will likely have important implications for both basic and clinical stem cell research.
Hayashi
Katsuhiko
K
Wellcome Trust Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK.
Surani
M Azim
MA
D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000235:genetics; D019070:Cell Lineage / Q000235:genetics; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D005854:Germ Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D006801:Humans; D039904:Pluripotent Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D039901:Totipotent Stem Cells