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Dynamic alterations of specific histone modifications during early murine development
Olga F Sarmento1, Laura C Digilio, Yanming Wang
1Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia Health Science Center, PO Box 800732, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
Journal of Cell Science
|August 19, 2004
Summary
Histone modifications are crucial for early embryonic reprogramming. Stable epigenetic marks and dynamic, reversible marks were identified, with dynamic marks being removed during metaphase by cytoplasmic enzymes.
Area of Science:
- Epigenetics and Developmental Biology
- Molecular and Cellular Biology
Background:
- Covalent histone modifications play a critical role in regulating gene expression.
- Understanding dynamic changes in histone marks during early development is essential for deciphering reprogramming events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the involvement of covalent histone modifications in early embryonic reprogramming.
- To analyze changes in global histone tail modification levels during mouse oocyte maturation and pre-implantation development.
Main Methods:
- Indirect immunofluorescence and scanning confocal microscopy were employed to study histone modifications.
- Global levels of various histone tail modifications were assessed.
Main Results:
- Histone modifications were categorized into stable epigenetic marks (e.g., Me(Lys9)H3, Me(Lys4)H3, Ph(Ser1)H4/H2A) and dynamic, reversible marks (e.g., hyperacetylated H4, Me(Arg17)H3, Me(Arg3)H4).
- Dynamic marks were removed during metaphase in eggs and early embryos, suggesting cytoplasmic enzyme involvement.
- Peptidylarginine deiminases (PADs) were shown to reverse histone arginine methyl modifications (Me(Arg3)H4).
Conclusions:
- Dynamic histone modifications are likely involved in early embryonic reprogramming.
- Cytoplasmic enzymes, potentially PADs, mediate the removal and reversal of specific histone marks during early development.