DNA demethylation by Tet dioxygenases controls gastrula patterning by regulating Lefty-Nodal signaling

ABSTRACT: Mammalian genomes are subjected to epigenetic modifications, including cytosine methylation by DNA methyltransferases (Dnmt) and further oxidation by Ten-eleven-translocation (Tet) family of dioxygenases. Cytosine methylation plays key roles in multiple processes such as genomic imprinting and X-chromosome inactivation. However, the functional significance of cytosine methylation and the further oxidation has remained undetermined in mouse embryogenesis. Here we show that global inactivation of all three Tet genes in mice led to consistent defects in gastrulation. The defects include reduced specification of the axial mesoderm and paraxial mesoderm, mimicking phenotypes in embryos with gain-of-function Nodal signaling, a cardinal cue for gastrulation. Introduction of a single mutant allele

ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus

SUBMITTER: Rui WANG 

PROVIDER: E-GEOD-76261 | biostudies-arrayexpress |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-arrayexpress