Transposition element MERVL regulates DNA demethylation through TET3 in oxidative-damaged mouse preimplantation embryos.

ABSTRACT: Transposable elements (TEs) comprise approximately half of eukaryotic genomes and significantly contribute to genome plasticity. In this study, we focused on a specific TE, MERVL, which exhibits particular expression during the 2-cell stage and commonly serves as an indicator of embryonic totipotency. However, its precise role in embryo development remains mysterious. We utilized DRUG-seq to investigate the effects of oxidative damage on genes and TEs expression. Our findings revealed that exposure to hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) could induce DNA damage, apoptosis, and incomplete DNA demethylation in embryos, which were potentially associated with MERVL expression. To further explore its function, antisense nucleotides (ASO) targeting MERVL were constructed to knockdown t

SUBMITTER: Liu L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11905524 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature