Regulation of de novo and maintenance DNA methylation by DNA methyltransferases in postimplantation embryos

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107990
• Publication Date: 2024-11-13T07:06:56Z
• Authors: Zhen Xu; Jiajia Shi; Qian Chen; Shuting Yang; Zilin Wang; Biao Xiao; Zhijian Lai; Yumeng Jing; Yilin Li; Xiajun Li

DNA methylation is mainly catalyzed by three methyltransferase (DNMT) proteins in mammals. Usually DNMT1 considered the primary DNMT for maintenance methylation, whereas DNMT3A and DNMT3B function de novo methylation. Interestingly, we found exerted postimplantation mouse embryos. Together with DNMT1, they maintained at some pluripotent genes lineage marker genes. Germline-derived imprinting control regions (ICRs) stably most ICRs Surprisingly, was increased five after implantation, two DNMT3 newly acquired of these ICRs. Intriguingly, preexisting four other ICRs, similar to what embryonic stem cells before. These results suggest that more dynamic than originally thought during embryogenesis including imprinted regions. exert both functions implantation. They maintain large portions variable degrees across genome embryos, together DNMT1. Furthermore, contribute a subset as well CpG islands certain gene. findings may have implications important roles development human diseases.