Protamine expression in somatic cells condenses chromatin and disrupts transcription without altering DNA methylation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Protamines play a crucial role in nuclear condensation during spermiogenesis, a process associated with significant chromatin remodeling and replacement of histones. While much research has focused on the function of protamines in sperm development and fertility, their effects in non-sperm cells remain largely unexplored. Protamines are increasingly used in the clinical setting, and understanding better, the role of protamines in somatic cells remains a critical unmet need.

Results

In this study, we investigated the impact of overexpressing murine and human protamine 1 and 2 (PRM1 and PRM2) on nuclear architecture, histone eviction, DNA methylation, and transcription in HEK293T cells and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). Overexpression of protamines resulted in nu

SUBMITTER: Puri D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12495770 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature