Abstract
Gametogenesis (spermatogenesis and oogenesis) is accompanied by the acquisition of gender-specific epigenetic marks, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications and regulation by small RNAs, to form highly differentiated, but transcriptionally silent cell-types in preparation for fertilisation. Upon fertilisation, extensive global epigenetic reprogramming takes place to remove the previously acquired epigenetic marks and produce totipotent zygotic states. It is the aim of this review to delineate the cellular and molecular events involved in maternal, paternal and zygotic epigenetic reprogramming from the time of gametogenesis, through fertilisation, to the initiation of zygotic genome activation for preimplantation embryonic development. Recent studies have begun to uncover the indispensable functions of epigenetic players during gametogenesis, fertilisation and preimplantation embryo development, and a more comprehensive understanding of these early events will be informative for increasing pregnancy success rates, adding particular value to assisted fertility programmes.
Highlights
Life begins at fertilisation, the process when two gametes unite
A successful fertilisation event and subsequent embryonic development are dependent on the acquisition of developmental competence via highly orchestrated cellular and molecular events during gametogenesis
Protamine removal and the subsequent sperm DNA decondensation are likely to be independent of histone deposition, de novo nucleosome assembly is Hira/ H3.3 dependent and is essential for nuclear envelope (NE) formation and the assembly of nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) during paternal PN formation (Inoue & Zhang 2014, Lin et al 2014)
Summary
The process when two gametes (sperm and oocyte) unite. A successful fertilisation event and subsequent embryonic development are dependent on the acquisition of developmental competence via highly orchestrated cellular and molecular events during gametogenesis. The third and final stage describes two critical reprogramming events, DNA demethylation and zygotic genome activation, which give rise to the establishment of a pluripotent embryo.
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