Epigenetic reprogramming in plant and animal development

Science. 2010 Oct 29;330(6004):622-7. doi: 10.1126/science.1190614.

Abstract

Epigenetic modifications of the genome are generally stable in somatic cells of multicellular organisms. In germ cells and early embryos, however, epigenetic reprogramming occurs on a genome-wide scale, which includes demethylation of DNA and remodeling of histones and their modifications. The mechanisms of genome-wide erasure of DNA methylation, which involve modifications to 5-methylcytosine and DNA repair, are being unraveled. Epigenetic reprogramming has important roles in imprinting, the natural as well as experimental acquisition of totipotency and pluripotency, control of transposons, and epigenetic inheritance across generations. Small RNAs and the inheritance of histone marks may also contribute to epigenetic inheritance and reprogramming. Reprogramming occurs in flowering plants and in mammals, and the similarities and differences illuminate developmental and reproductive strategies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arabidopsis / embryology
  • Arabidopsis / genetics*
  • Cellular Reprogramming
  • DNA Methylation*
  • DNA Transposable Elements
  • Embryo, Mammalian / metabolism
  • Embryo, Mammalian / physiology
  • Embryo, Nonmammalian / metabolism
  • Embryo, Nonmammalian / physiology
  • Embryonic Development
  • Epigenesis, Genetic*
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
  • Gene Silencing
  • Genomic Imprinting
  • Germ Cells / growth & development
  • Germ Cells / metabolism
  • Histones / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Mammals / embryology
  • Mammals / genetics*
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational

Substances

  • DNA Transposable Elements
  • Histones