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Updated: Feb 15, 2026
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Generation of Myospheres From hESCs by Epigenetic Reprogramming
Published on: June 21, 2014
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Rules governing the mechanism of epigenetic reprogramming memory
Phuc-Loi Luu1, Daniela Gerovska2, Hans R Schöler3,4
1Computational Biology & Bioinformatics Group, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, 48149 Münster, Germany.
Epigenomics
|January 17, 2018
Summary
This study reveals how DNA methylation somatic memory sites (SMSs) maintain cellular identity during reprogramming. Source-cell transcription factors protect specific DNA regions, influencing gene expression in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
Area of Science:
- Epigenetics
- Stem Cell Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Cellular reprogramming aims to reset cell identity, but residual epigenetic memory can persist.
- Understanding the mechanisms of this memory is crucial for efficient and controlled cell fate manipulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms governing reprogramming memory.
- To identify and characterize DNA methylation somatic memory sites (SMSs).
Main Methods:
- Developed a computational procedure to identify SMSs at single CpG sites.
- Integrated genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, and imprinting data.
Main Results:
- Reprogramming memory persists in hypomethylated regions at late passages.
- Hypermethylated SMSs are found at conserved sites in active, dynamic chromatin regions.
- Source-cell transcription factors protect hypomethylated SMSs from de novo methylation, leading to incomplete silencing of lineage-specific genes in iPSCs.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic memory in iPSCs is established by DNA methylation status and chromatin states, influencing gene expression.
- Imprinting control regions are also affected, leading to differential expression of imprinted genes.
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