Loss of Maternal Dnmt1 Affects Methylation in Cloned Embryos
Author Information
Author(s): Wei Yanchang, Huan Yanjun, Shi Yongqian, Liu Zhongfeng, Bou Gerelchimeg, Luo Yibo, Zhang Li, Yang Cairong, Kong Qingran, Tian Jiangtian, Xia Ping, Sun Qing-Yuan, Liu ZhongHua
Primary Institution: College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University of China
Hypothesis
The loss of maternal nuclear Dnmt1 during somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) leads to unfaithful maintenance of methylation imprints in cloned embryos.
Conclusion
The study concludes that the loss of maternal nuclear Dnmt1 during SCNT significantly contributes to the unfaithful maintenance of methylation imprints in cloned preimplantation embryos.
Supporting Evidence
- Cloned porcine preimplantation embryos showed demethylation at differentially methylated regions of imprinted genes.
- Dnmt1 is required for the maintenance of methylation imprints in porcine preimplantation embryos.
- Demethylation occurred during the first two cell cycles in cloned embryos.
- Methylation imprints were rescued in nonenucleated metaphase II oocytes.
Takeaway
When scientists clone animals, they often have problems with how genes are turned on and off. This study found that a special protein called Dnmt1, which helps keep genes in order, is missing in cloned embryos, causing these problems.
Methodology
The study used bisulfite sequencing to analyze DNA methylation status in cloned preimplantation embryos and compared it with in vitro fertilized embryos.
Limitations
The study does not explore the exact mechanism by which Dnmt1 maintains methylation imprints.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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