RESUMEN
Zygotic epigenetic reprogramming entails genome-wide DNA demethylation that is accompanied by Tet methylcytosine dioxygenase 3 (Tet3)-driven oxidation of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC; refs 1-4). Here we demonstrate using detailed immunofluorescence analysis and ultrasensitive LC-MS-based quantitative measurements that the initial loss of paternal 5mC does not require 5hmC formation. Small-molecule inhibition of Tet3 activity, as well as genetic ablation, impedes 5hmC accumulation in zygotes without affecting the early loss of paternal 5mC. Instead, 5hmC accumulation is dependent on the activity of zygotic Dnmt3a and Dnmt1, documenting a role for Tet3-driven hydroxylation in targeting de novo methylation activities present in the early embryo. Our data thus provide further insights into the dynamics of zygotic reprogramming, revealing an intricate interplay between DNA demethylation, de novo methylation and Tet3-driven hydroxylation.
Asunto(s)
5-Metilcitosina/metabolismo , Reprogramación Celular , Citosina/análogos & derivados , Metilación de ADN , Epigénesis Genética , Cigoto/metabolismo , Animales , Biomarcadores/metabolismo , Cromatografía Liquida , Citosina/metabolismo , ADN (Citosina-5-)-Metiltransferasa 1 , ADN (Citosina-5-)-Metiltransferasas/genética , ADN (Citosina-5-)-Metiltransferasas/metabolismo , ADN Metiltransferasa 3A , Proteínas de Unión al ADN/genética , Proteínas de Unión al ADN/metabolismo , Dioxigenasas , Técnicas de Cultivo de Embriones , Fertilización In Vitro , Técnica del Anticuerpo Fluorescente , Regulación del Desarrollo de la Expresión Génica , Cinética , Espectrometría de Masas , Ratones , Ratones Noqueados , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas/genética , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas/metabolismoRESUMEN
Naive pluripotent embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and embryonic germ cells (EGCs) are derived from the preimplantation epiblast and primordial germ cells (PGCs), respectively. We investigated whether differences exist between ESCs and EGCs, in view of their distinct developmental origins. PGCs are programmed to undergo global DNA demethylation; however, we find that EGCs and ESCs exhibit equivalent global DNA methylation levels. Inhibition of MEK and Gsk3b by 2i conditions leads to pronounced reduction in DNA methylation in both cell types. This is driven by Prdm14 and is associated with downregulation of Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b. However, genomic imprints are maintained in 2i, and we report derivation of EGCs with intact genomic imprints. Collectively, our findings establish that culture in 2i instills a naive pluripotent state with a distinctive epigenetic configuration that parallels molecular features observed in both the preimplantation epiblast and nascent PGCs.
