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Distinct H3K9me3 and DNA methylation modifications during mouse spermatogenesis
Yingdong Liu1, Yanping Zhang2, Jiqing Yin2
1College of Animal Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
The Journal of Biological Chemistry
|October 31, 2019
Summary
This study maps genome-wide DNA methylation and H3K9me3 modifications in mouse spermatogenesis. These epigenetic marks regulate gene expression, silencing repeats, and impacting sex chromosome activity, offering insights into male reproductive health.
Area of Science:
- Epigenetics and Reproductive Biology
- Genomics and Molecular Biology
Background:
- Spermatogenesis involves complex gene regulation by DNA methylation and histone modifications.
- The precise roles of these epigenetic mechanisms in male germ cells require detailed investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate genome-wide DNA methylation and H3K9me3 patterns during mouse spermatogenesis.
- To elucidate the distinct dynamics and sequence preferences of these epigenetic marks.
Main Methods:
- Utilized ultra-low-input native ChIP-Seq (ULI-NChIP-Seq) on isolated murine sperm cells.
- Employed whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) for comprehensive analysis.
- Examined H3K9me3 modifications at gene promoters and repeat elements.
Main Results:
- DNA methylation and H3K9me3 exhibit distinct dynamics in promoters and repeat elements during spermatogenesis.
- H3K9me3 is enriched at gene promoters in round spermatids and silences LTRs and LINEs alongside DNA methylation.
- H3K9me3 remodeling on the X chromosome is linked to meiotic sex chromosome inactivation and reactivation.
Conclusions:
- Provides a genome-wide map of H3K9me3 modifications during mouse spermatogenesis.
- Findings contribute to understanding the epigenetic regulation of male germ cell development.
- Offers insights potentially relevant to male reproductive disorders.
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