3D chromatin structure changes during spermatogenesis and oogenesis.

ABSTRACT

Gametogenesis, including spermatogenesis and oogenesis, are unique differentiation processes involving extraordinarily complex and precise regulatory mechanisms that require the interactions of multiple cell types, hormones, paracrine factors, genes and epigenetic regulators, and extensive chromatin 3D structure re-organization. In recent years, the development of 3D genome technology represented by Hi-C, enabled mapping of the 3D re-organization of chromosomes during zygogenesis at an unprecedented resolution. The 3D remodeling is achieved by folding chromatin into loops, topologically associating domains (TADs), and compartments (A and B), which ultimately affect transcriptional activity. In this review, we summarize the research progresses and findings on chromatin 3D structure changes during spermatogenesis and oogenesis.