DNA methylation dynamics during the mammalian life cycle

摘要

DNA methylation is dynamically remodelled during the mammalian life cycle through distinct phases of reprogramming and dc novo methylation. These events enable the acquisition of cellular potential followed by the maintenance of lineage-restricted cell identity, respectively, a process that defines the life cycle through successive generations. DNA methylation contributes to the epigenetic regulation of many key developmental pro-cesses including genomic imprinting X-inactivation,, genome stability and gene regulation. Emerging sequencing technologies have led to recent insights into the dynamic distribution of DNA) methylatioivduring1 develop-ment and the role ofsthis epigenetic)mark iwithin distinct genomic contexts; such as at promoters; exons or imprinted control regions. Additionally, there is a better understanding of the mechanistic basis of DNA demethylation during epigenetic reprogramming in primordial germ cells and during pre-implantation development Here, we discuss: our current understanding of the developmental roles and dynamics of this key epigenetic system.