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Updated: Jul 18, 2026
07:46
Generation and Maintenance of Primate Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Derived from Urine
Published on: July 28, 2023
Genomic imprinting in primate embryos and embryonic stem cells
1Division of Reproductive Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 505 NW 185th Avenue, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA. mitalipo@ohsu.edu
Reproduction, Fertility, and Development
|December 7, 2006
Summary
Aberrant gene imprinting in rhesus monkey embryonic stem cells, specifically biallelic expression of IGF2 and H19, is linked to abnormal DNA methylation. This epigenetic disruption poses risks for clinical applications of stem cell therapy.
Area of Science:
- Stem cell biology
- Epigenetics
- Developmental biology
Background:
- Embryonic stem (ES) cells offer potential for regenerative medicine.
- Long-term culture of ES cells can compromise epigenetic integrity, including genomic imprinting.
- Imprinting errors are linked to developmental disorders and cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate epigenetic alterations in rhesus monkey ES cells.
- To determine if aberrant imprinting of IGF2 and H19 occurs in these cells.
- To explore the role of DNA methylation in imprinting defects.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of gene expression in rhesus monkey ES cell lines.
- Comparison of gene imprinting patterns with blastocyst-stage embryos.
- Comprehensive methylation analysis of the IGF2/H19 imprinting center (IC).
Main Results:
- Rhesus monkey ES cells showed biallelic expression of IGF2 and H19, unlike normal monoallelic expression in embryos.
- SNRPN and NDN genes maintained normal imprinting.
- Abnormal hypermethylation was detected within the IGF2/H19 IC in all analyzed ES cell lines.
Conclusions:
- Hypermethylation of the IGF2/H19 IC likely causes relaxed imprinting and biallelic expression of these genes in rhesus monkey ES cells.
- Epigenetic instability in ES cells requires careful consideration for therapeutic use.
- Potential risks of tumor formation necessitate further research before clinical translation.
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