Abstract
Mouse genomes show a large cluster of imprinted genes at the Dlk1-Gtl2 domain in the distal region of chromosome 12. An intergenic-differentially methylated region (IG-DMR) located between Dlk1 and Gtl2 is specifically methylated in the male germline; IG-DMR regulates the parental allele-specific expression of imprinted genes. Here, we show the resetting of IG-DMR methylation marks during male germ-cell differentiation. For parental allele-specific methylation analysis, polymorphisms were detected in a 2.6-kb IG-DMR in three mouse strains. Bisulfite methylation analysis showed erasure of the marks by E14 and re-establishment before birth. The IG-DMR methylation status was maintained in spermatogonia and spermatocytes of mature testes. The IG-DMR methylation status established before birth is thus maintained throughout the lifetime in the male germline.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1255-1260 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | FEBS Letters |
Volume | 581 |
Issue number | 7 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2007 Apr 3 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- DMR
- Genomic imprinting
- Germ cells
- Methylation
- Mouse
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biophysics
- Structural Biology
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Cell Biology