Epigenetic priming in the male germline

• Published in: Current opinion in genetics & development Vol. 86; p. 102190
• Main Authors: Kitamura, Yuka, Namekawa, Satoshi H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01-06-2024
• Subjects: Animals; Cell Differentiation - genetics; Chromatin - genetics; Epigenesis, Genetic - genetics; Germ Cells - growth & development; Germ Cells - metabolism; Humans; Male; Meiosis - genetics; Spermatogenesis - genetics; Spermatogonia - cytology; Spermatogonia - metabolism; Spermatozoa - growth & development; Spermatozoa - metabolism
• ISSN: 0959-437X; 1879-0380; 1879-0380
• DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2024.102190

Epigenetic priming presets chromatin states that allow the rapid induction of gene expression programs in response to differentiation cues. In the germline, it provides the blueprint for sexually dimorphic unidirectional differentiation. In this review, we focus on epigenetic priming in the mammalian male germline and discuss how cellular memories are regulated and inherited to the next generation. During spermatogenesis, epigenetic priming predetermines cellular memories that ensure the lifelong maintenance of spermatogonial stem cells and their subsequent commitment to meiosis and to the production of haploid sperm. The paternal chromatin state is also essential for the recovery of totipotency after fertilization and contributes to paternal epigenetic inheritance. Thus, epigenetic priming establishes stable but reversible chromatin states during spermatogenesis and enables epigenetic inheritance and reprogramming in the next generation.
•Epigenetic priming provides the blueprint for male germline development.•Epigenetic priming ensures the maintenance and differentiation of male germ cells.•Epigenetic priming enables meiotic and postmeiotic gene expression programs and epigenetic inheritance.