Publications by authors named "Tom Mattimoe"
In female mammals, the two X chromosomes are subject to epigenetic gene regulation in order to balance X-linked gene dosage with autosomes and in relation to males, which have one X and one Y chromosome. This is achieved by an intricate interplay of several processes; X-chromosome inactivation and reactivation elicit global epigenetic regulation of expression from one X chromosome in a stage-specific manner, whilst the process of X-chromosome upregulation responds to this by fine-tuning transcription levels of the second X. The germline is unique in its function of transmitting both the genetic and epigenetic information from one generation to the next, and remodelling of the X chromosome is one of the key steps in setting the stage for successful development.
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- The study focuses on how the mammalian germline undergoes significant epigenetic changes during the development of eggs and sperm, emphasizing the importance of resetting the epigenome before passing genetic information to the next generation.
- It specifically examines X-chromosome inactivation and reactivation dynamics in primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs) derived from mouse embryonic stem cells and finds that these processes differ from those in somatic cells.
- The research concludes that proper X-chromosome remodeling is crucial for female germ cell development, with any failures in X-inactivation or patterns of reactivation leading to reduced meiotic potential.