Dissecting the epigenomic dynamics of human fetal germ cell development at single-cell resolution.

ABSTRACT: Proper development of fetal germ cells (FGCs) is vital for the precise transmission of genetic and epigenetic information through generations. The transcriptional landscapes of human FGC development have been revealed; however, the epigenetic reprogramming process of FGCs remains elusive. Here, we profiled the genome-wide DNA methylation and chromatin accessibility of human FGCs at different phases as well as gonadal niche cells at single-cell resolution. First, we found that DNA methylation levels of FGCs changed in a temporal manner, whereas FGCs at different phases in the same embryo exhibited comparable DNA methylation levels and patterns. Second, we revealed the phase-specific chromatin accessibility signatures at the promoter regions of a large set of critical transcription factors a

SUBMITTER: Li L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8115345 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature