Dnmt3a2 expression during embryonic development is required for phenotypic stability.

ABSTRACT: Proper function and switching of regulatory elements are essential for vertebrate development and are regulated by DNA methylation. We use isoform-specific knockouts of the de novo methyltransferase Dnmt3a1 and Dnmt3a2 to probe their roles during embryogenesis and postnatal development. Mice lacking Dnmt3a1 show minimal embryonic methylation loss but are smaller and die postnatally. In contrast, Dnmt3a2^-/- mice exhibit widespread hypomethylation at enhancers, CTCF sites and imprinted genes, which are largely repaired postnatally. These mice are viable but display sporadic abnormalities including anophthalmia, hydrocephalus, hydronephrosis and male infertility due to absence of sperm. Interestingly, the fertile Dnmt3a2^-/- mice produce sperm with sporadic imprinting def

SUBMITTER: Liu M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12789621 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature