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Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Visualizing Zygotic Genome Activation In Single Cells of Early Embryos
Published on: April 3, 2026
An integrated transcriptional regulation from zygotic genome activation to the first lineage segregation
Qixuan Shan1, Hu Wang1, Qi Wang2
1School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 31121, China.
Abstract:
Early embryogenesis is driven by precisely regulated transcriptional programs that guide the transition from a fertilized zygote to a multicellular organism. This process proceeds through sequential phases, beginning with zygotic genome activation and progressing toward lineage specification. Disruptions to these programs can result in developmental defects or even embryonic lethality. Recent advances in multiomic technologies have revealed how developmental genes are regulated at layers of transcription factors, histone modifications, three-dimensional (3D) genome, and transposable elements. Here, we review recent progress on the mechanistic understanding of transcriptional regulation in early embryos and discuss their implications for fundamental principles of embryogenesis.
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