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Published on: January 1, 2018
Epigenetic reprogramming in the porcine germ line.
Sara M W Hyldig1, Nicola Croxall, David A Contreras
1Division of Animal Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, LE12 5RD, UK. ramiro.alberio@nottingham.ac.uk
Epigenetic reprogramming in pig germ cells involves DNA demethylation and histone mark changes, occurring similarly to mice. This suggests conserved germ cell epigenetic reprogramming across mammals.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Epigenetics
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Epigenetic reprogramming is vital for germ line development, involving DNA demethylation and histone modifications.
- Mouse primordial germ cells (PGC) undergo genome-wide demethylation to erase epigenetic memory.
- Conservation of these reprogramming events across mammals is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate dynamic DNA methylation and histone mark changes during pig germ line development.
- To determine the temporal window for epigenetic reprogramming in porcine PGC.
- To compare epigenetic reprogramming in pigs with that observed in mice.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of DNA methylation at imprinted loci (IGF2-H19, IGF2R) and DNA repeats in porcine PGC.
- Assessment of global histone modifications (H3K27me3, H3K9me2) in developing germ cells.
- Cell cycle analysis of migratory and gonadal PGC.
Main Results:
- DNA demethylation occurred in PGC colonizing genital ridges, with specific timing for imprinted loci and DNA repeats.
- H3K27me3 staining was strong in migratory PGC (E15-E21), while H3K9me2 was erased by E21.
- Migrating PGC (E17) showed increased G2 phase cells, while gonadal PGC (E22-31) exhibited typical cell cycling.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic reprogramming, including histone and DNA modifications, occurs in pig migratory and gonadal PGC.
- Histone mark reprogramming precedes dynamic DNA demethylation in the pig germ line.
- The conserved dynamics suggest epigenetic reprogramming of germ cells is conserved across mammals.
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