Chromatin modification of imprinted H19 gene in mammalian spermatozoa

The allele-specific epigenetic markings of endogenously imprinted genes in placental mammals occur during gametogenesis. The identification of the molecular nature of gametic imprints is the first step towards understanding the mechanistic basis of epigenesis in embryonic and adult somatic tissues. The specific question addressed in this work is whether the closely positioned but oppositely imprinted insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF 2) and H19 genes, which have similar temporal regulation during development, differ in chromatin structure in mammalian spermatozoa. During terminal differentiation of mammalian spermatozoa, about 3–15% of the haploid genome retains a quasisomatic-type chromatin structure, whereas the remaining genomes interact with protamines that are further cross-linked by -S-S- bridges. Micrococcal nuclease (MNase) and DNase I digestions of human (HSN) and porcine sperm nuclei (PSN) showed that the IGF 2 gene in both types of nuclei retained somatic-type nucleosomes that were close-packed with a periodicity of 150 bp. However, the H19 gene in both species was predominantly organised by unique structural repeats, which were 650–674 bp in PSN and 438–522 bp in HSN, condensing at least 20 kb of chromatin. These results, together with previous studies, suggest that epigenetic chromatin modification leading to preferential condensation of the paternal H19 allele in embryonic tissues is already present in the germ cells. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 50:474–484, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Chromatin modification and remodeling during early seed development

Seed development starts at double fertilization when two sperms fuse with a female gamete, the egg and central cell, giving rise to the embryo and endosperm, respectively. Uniting two parental genomes into one, unique, zygotic genome is certainly the first event requiring large-scale chromatin modifications and remodeling. Although little is known about the molecular mechanisms, recent progress was made allowing live imaging of parental chromatin dynamics at fertilization. Further growth and patterning processes will shape the future plant seedling and its surrounding nurse tissue. Studies over the last decade identified key chromatin modifiers involved in these processes. However, the dynamics of these modifications mediated, in particular, by the Polycomb group complexes only start to be understood. The precise molecular mechanisms altering chromatin state in relation to early seed development remains difficult to address because of the relative inaccessibility of the fertilization products. Nonetheless, with the emergence of in vivo imaging techniques, laser-capture dissection, and genome-wide chromatin modification profiling, the future promises new, exciting discoveries.     

Chromatin modification and epigenetic reprogramming in mammalian development

The developmental programme of embryogenesis is controlled by both genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. An emerging theme from recent studies is that the regulation of higher-order chromatin structures by DNA methylation and histone modification is crucial for genome reprogramming during early embryogenesis and gametogenesis, and for tissue-specific gene expression and global gene silencing. Disruptions to chromatin modification can lead to the dysregulation of developmental processes, such as X-chromosome inactivation and genomic imprinting, and to various diseases. Understanding the process of epigenetic reprogramming in development is important for studies of cloning and the clinical application of stem-cell therapy.     

Chromatin dynamics and gene positioning

The mammalian cell nucleus provides a landscape where genes are regulated through their organization and association with freely diffusing proteins and nuclear domains. In many cases, specific genes are highly dynamic, and the principles governing their movements and interchromosomal interactions are currently under intensive study. Recent investigations have implicated actin and myosin in chromatin dynamics and gene expression. Here, we discuss our current understanding of the dynamics of the interphase genome and how it impacts nuclear organization and gene activity.     

染色质结构与珠蛋白基因表达调控

综述了β－珠蛋白基因表达调控中,与染色质结构调控相关的区域,染色质重组复合体,染色质修饰等因素及它们之间协同作用的研究。     

Chromatin loops in gene regulation

The control of gene expression involves regulatory elements that can be very far from the genes they control. Several recent technological advances have allowed the direct detection of chromatin loops that juxtapose distant genomic sites in the nucleus. Here we review recent studies from various model organisms that have provided new insights into the functions of chromatin loops and the mechanisms that form them. We discuss the widespread impact of chromatin loops on gene activation, repression, genomic imprinting and the function of enhancers and insulators.