PMID: 9449671May 9, 1998Paper

Sex-specific exons control DNA methyltransferase in mammalian germ cells

Development
C MertineitT H Bestor

Abstract

The spermatozoon and oocyte genomes bear sex-specific methylation patterns that are established during gametogenesis and are required for the allele-specific expression of imprinted genes in somatic tissues. The mRNA for Dnmt1, the predominant maintenance and de novo DNA (cytosine-5)-methyl transferase in mammals, is present at high levels in postmitotic murine germ cells but undergoes alternative splicing of sex-specific 5' exons, which controls the production and localization of enzyme during specific stages of gametogenesis. An oocyte-specific 5' exon is associated with the production of very large amounts of active Dnmt1 protein, which is truncated at the N terminus and sequestered in the cytoplasm during the later stages of oocyte growth, while a spermatocyte-specific 5' exon interferes with translation and prevents production of Dnmt1 during the prolonged crossing-over stage of male meiosis. During the course of postnatal oogenesis, Dnmt1 is present at high levels in nuclei only in growing dictyate oocytes, a stage during which gynogenetic developmental potential is lost and biparental developmental potential is gained.

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.