Global Chromatin Changes in Fetal Mouse Germ Cells
Author Information
Author(s): Abe Masanobu, Tsai Shirley Y., Jin Seung-Gi, Pfeifer Gerd P., Szabó Piroska E.
Primary Institution: City of Hope National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute
Hypothesis
Dynamic changes in chromatin composition may precede or accompany the wave of global DNA de novo methylation.
Conclusion
Dynamic changes of chromatin composition may provide a framework for the pattern of male-specific de novo DNA methylation in prospermatogonia.
Supporting Evidence
- Global DNA demethylation occurs around the time when primordial germ cells colonize the embryonic gonads.
- Global de novo DNA methylation takes place with different dynamics between the two sexes.
- Global changes in chromatin composition preceded global DNA methylation in fetal germ cells.
Takeaway
This study found that male fetal germ cells change their chromatin structure before they start adding DNA methylation, while female germ cells do not show these changes.
Methodology
Immunocytochemistry was used to measure global DNA methylation and chromatin components in male and female mouse fetal germ cells compared to control somatic cells.
Participant Demographics
The study involved male and female fetal mouse germ cells.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.000001
Statistical Significance
p<0.000001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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