title: [Epigenetic regulation of genomic imprinting in germline cells and preimplantation embryos].
abstract: Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic process that distinguishes parental alleles and results in specific expression of paternal and maternal genes. Imprints are acquired in the process of gametogenesis when genome-wide epigenetic reprogramming occurs and are maintained during early embryonic development. Therefore, the recognition and maintenance of imprints are very important in genome-wide reprogramming. In this review, we summarize the progresses of imprints removal in primordial germ cells (PGCs), imprints acquisition in parental PGCs, and imprints maintenance during early embryonic development. We also discuss the functional mechanisms of epigenetic factors which protect imprinted genes from whole genome DNA methylation.
authors.affiliation: College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China.
authors.forename: Yi-ran
authors.initials: YR
authors.lastname: Zhu
authors.affiliation: College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China.
authors.forename: Mei-ling
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China.
authors.forename: Zhi-chao
authors.initials: ZC
authors.lastname: Zhai
authors.affiliation: College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China.
authors.forename: Yun-jiao
authors.initials: YJ
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.affiliation: College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China.
authors.forename: Xin
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Ma
mesh_terms: D001755:Blastocyst / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D047108:Embryonic Development / Q000235:genetics; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D005260:Female; D005718:Gametogenesis / Q000235:genetics; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D018392:Genomic Imprinting / Q000235:genetics*; D005854:Germ Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male