Regional epigenetic differentiation of the Z Chromosome between sexes in a female heterogametic system.

ABSTRACT: In male heterogametic systems, the X Chromosome is epigenetically differentiated between males and females, to facilitate dosage compensation. For example, the X Chromosome in female mammals is largely inactivated. Relative to well-studied male heterogametic systems, the extent of epigenetic differentiation between male and female Z Chromosomes in female heterogametic species, which often lack complete dosage compensation, is poorly understood. Here, we examined the chromosomal DNA methylation landscapes of male and female Z Chromosomes in two distantly related avian species, namely chicken and white-throated sparrow. We show that, in contrast to the pattern in mammals, male and female Z Chromosomes in these species exhibit highly similar patterns of DNA methylation, which is consistent wi

SUBMITTER: Sun D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6771406 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature