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Epigenetic reorganization during early embryonic lineage specification
Haitong Fang1, Zhuojuan Luo2,3, Chengqi Lin4,5
1School of Life Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China. fanght@seu.edu.cn.
Genes & Genomics
|February 8, 2022
Summary
Dynamic epigenetic remodeling guides cell lineage specification during early development. This review covers DNA methylation, histone modifications, and chromatin accessibility during blastocyst formation and gastrulation in mice.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Epigenetics
- Genomics
Background:
- Dynamic chromatin reorganization is crucial for cell lineage specification during blastocyst formation and gastrulation.
- Epigenetic defects are linked to developmental disorders.
- Recent technological advancements, like single-cell epigenome analysis, aid in understanding epigenetic remodeling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on epigenetic remodeling during cell lineage specification in blastocyst formation and gastrulation.
- To highlight the roles of DNA methylation, histone modifications, and chromatin accessibility.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent literature on epigenetic remodeling in mouse development.
- Focus on DNA methylation dynamics and transcriptional regulation.
- Analysis of histone modification remodeling at promoters and enhancers.
- Examination of chromatin accessibility and 3D structure dynamics.
Main Results:
- DNA methylation dynamically changes during blastocyst formation and gastrulation, regulating lineage-specific genes.
- Histone modifications are widely remodeled at promoters and enhancers, orchestrating cell fate trajectories.
- Chromatin accessibility and 3D structure dynamics regulate developmental gene expression and transcription factor binding.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic reorganization plays a vital role in blastocyst formation and gastrulation.
- Understanding chromatin regulation is key to comprehending lineage specification.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate chromatin regulation in development.
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