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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
08:05
Efficient and Rapid Isolation of Early-stage Embryos from Arabidopsis thaliana Seeds
Published on: June 7, 2013
Imprinting and epigenetic changes in the early embryo.
Jamie R Weaver1, Martha Susiarjo, Marisa S Bartolomei
1Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 415 Curie Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19104-6148, USA.
Summary
Genomic imprinting relies on DNA methylation for parent-specific gene expression. This review explores epigenetic reprogramming in germ cells and early embryos, focusing on DNA methylation
Area of Science:
- Epigenetics
- Genomics
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Imprinted genes regulate essential developmental processes through parent-of-origin-specific allele expression.
- DNA methylation is a critical epigenetic mark for maintaining allele-specific expression of imprinted genes.
- Imprinting involves complex regulatory mechanisms requiring precise establishment, maintenance, and erasure of DNA methylation across generations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epigenetic changes in germ cells and early embryos, emphasizing genomic imprinting.
- To summarize recent findings on factors influencing DNA methylation dynamics in imprinting.
- To highlight areas requiring further investigation in DNA methylation regulation and imprinting.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on genomic imprinting and DNA methylation.
- Analysis of epigenetic reprogramming events during gametogenesis and early embryogenesis.
- Focus on DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) family enzymes and their role in imprinting.
Main Results:
- DNA methylation is crucial for establishing and maintaining imprinted gene expression.
- Epigenetic reprogramming in germline and early embryos is essential for imprinting.
- Gaps in knowledge exist regarding DNA methylation complex targeting and demethylation mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Understanding DNA methylation dynamics is key to elucidating imprinting mechanisms.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the regulation of DNA methylation in imprinting.
- Imprinting is vital for mammalian development, with DNA methylation playing a central regulatory role.
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Behavioral imprinting is observed in some newborn animals and occurs when they develop strong and specific attachments to another animal (usually a parent) following brief, early-life exposures. Offspring imprint onto parents within a brief period after birth or hatching; this time window is called the critical period. Once imprinting occurs, the bond established between the parents and their offspring is usually long-lasting.
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01:37Epigenetic Regulation
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01:46Epigenetic Regulation
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