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DNA methyltransferase inhibitors modulate histone methylation: epigenetic crosstalk between H3K4me3 and DNA methylation during sperm differentiation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 January 2021

Liliana Burlibaşa Open the ORCID record for Liliana Burlibaşa [Opens in a new window] ,
Alina-Teodora Nicu  and
Carmen Domnariu
Liliana Burlibaşa*
Affiliation:
Genetics Department, University of Bucharest, Faculty of Biology, Romania
Alina-Teodora Nicu
Affiliation:
Genetics Department, University of Bucharest, Faculty of Biology, Romania
Carmen Domnariu
Affiliation:
‘Lucian Blaga’ University, Faculty of Medicine, Sibiu, Romania
*
Author for correspondence: Liliana Burlibaşa. Genetics Department, University of Bucharest, Nos. 1–3 Aleea Portocalilor, Bucharest, 060101, Romania. Tel: +40 213181565. E-mail: [email protected]
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Summary

The process of cytodifferentiation in spermatogenesis is governed by a unique genetic and molecular programme. In this context, accurate ‘tuning’ of the regulatory mechanisms involved in germ cells differentiation is required, as any error could have dramatic consequences on species survival and maintenance. To study the processes that govern the spatial–temporal expression of genes, as well as analyse transmission of epigenetic information to descendants, an integrated approach of genetics, biochemistry and cytology data is necessary. As information in the literature on interplay between DNA methylation and histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) in the advanced stages of murine spermatogenesis is still scarce, we investigated the effect of a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine, at the cytological level using immunocytochemistry methodology. Our results revealed a particular distribution of H3K4me3 during sperm cell differentiation and highlighted an important role for regulation of DNA methylation in controlling histone methylation and chromatin remodelling during spermatogenesis.

Keywords

DNA methylationDNMT inhibitorEpigenetic markersH3K4me3Spermatogenesis
Type
Short Communication
Information
Zygote , Volume 29 , Issue 3 , June 2021 , pp. 239 - 244
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press

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