Loss of spermatogonia and wide-spread DNA methylation defects in newborn male mice deficient in DNMT3L.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Formation of haploid spermatozoa capable of fertilization requires proper programming of epigenetic information. Exactly how DNMT3L (DNA methyltransferase 3-Like), a postulated regulator of DNA methyltransferase activity, contributes to DNA methylation pattern acquisition during gametogenesis remains unclear. Here we report on the role of DNMT3L in male germ cell development.

Results

A developmental study covering the first 12 days following birth was conducted on a Dnmt3L mutant mouse model; lower germ cell numbers and delayed entry into meiosis were observed in Dnmt3L-/- males, pointing to a mitotic defect. A temporal expression study showed that expression of Dnmt3L is highest in prenatal gonocytes but is also detected and developmentally regulated during sperm

SUBMITTER: La Salle S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2212652 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature